Utah cornerbacks coach Sharrieff Shah grew emotional when recounting a recent phone call with Chicago Bears star Jaylon Johnson.
Johnson, a former Ute, signed a four-year, $76 million extension with the Bears in March after a career season in 2023. And during a phone call with Shah, Johnson reflected on his recruitment to the Utes and his dream of making it to the league.
“It was toil through that process,” Shah said of Johnson’s path to the NFL. “It was dealing with the ups and downs of being a freshman in a very difficult program, having to sit out of spring.”
But even as a high school recruit, Johnson told Shah he was going to make it to the NFL, make millions of dollars and make his coach proud. He’s made that idea come true and hopes to continue on the same path now.
“It was a lot, but everything he said came to pass,” Shah said. “And he said, ‘Coach, thank you for loving and believing in me when I forgot to love and believe in myself.’ That makes you emotional, and I’m so proud of that. I’m so proud of him and the man that he’s become. It warms my heart.”
(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Sharrieff Shah as the Utah Utes host the Florida Gators, NCAA football in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023.
Shah and Utah defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley, have passed down those lessons to current players on their roster.
In the era of Name, Image and Likeness and the transfer portal, Utah has focused its recruiting efforts on helping develop players into their NFL pipeline. It paid off in 2023 after Cole Bishop, Sione Vaki and Jonah Elliss landed on NFL franchises this offseason. Since 2006, 56 former Utah defensive players have moved into the professional ranks. 17 of those former players were once defensive backs.
Kenan Johnson, who transferred from Georgia Tech to the Utes this spring, joined the program due to its developmental track. When he entered the portal, the senior defensive back was recruited by several Power Four programs, but he was waiting for Shah to eventually hit his line so he could join the Utes.
“I paid a lot of attention to the college I wanted to go to,” Kenan said. “I would always see Utah producing defensive players going to the next level. Coach Shah was a big part of my recruiting process. I was talking with him about having a vision for me, being on the same page and where I want to go.
“A big part of it was me wanting to come and try to be a part of a defense that could help produce those types of players (at the next level).”
Kenan started in eight games for the Yellow Jackets last season, tallying 29 tackles and an interception. He is expected to start alongside senior cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn.
Kenan chose the Utes to take a step up in his career with hopes of making it professionally. Shah has since complimented the corner, stating he has been “everything as advertised,” which appears to be a good sign for Utah’s secondary.
“The biggest thing with Kenan is he brings that experience and the accumulated reps at the corner position,” Scalley said. “He has great quickness and a good recovery speed.
“The ankle has been an issue for him here and there. But, for the most part, he’s looking like he can be that guy opposite Zemaiah.”
Jaylon’s path has allowed Shah to provide teaching moments to the up and coming cornerbacks in Utah’s secondary. When players ask how they can replicate his success, Shah responds by telling them to stay late after practice and be consistent every day.
Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) can't make a catch in the end zone against Utah cornerback Zemaiah Vaughn (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Not only has it turned into a recruiting tool for players like Kenan but it has led to success on the field. The Utes ranked second in total pass defense in the Pac-12 in 2023, allowing an average of 224.3 passing yards per game and 15 passing touchdowns.
“I say, ‘If you really want to be like him, the level of work your work ethic has to increase exponentially,’” Shah said. “He put no limits on what he would do in order to become great, and what he believed in was just immeasurable. I loved it, and it was consistent every day.’”
With players like Kenan, Vaughn and more, Shah hopes to replicate Jaylon’s success this season.
Not only that, but it keeps Utah’s cornerbacks coach wanting to stay in Salt Lake City for years to come.
“Those accomplishments are the ones that flood my heart and my memories of all the players that I’ve coached,” Shah said last week. “Those are the things that make you so grateful and say, ‘My God, thank you for allowing me to be here with these babies.’ Because, those are the memories that turned into the foundation of the good feelings that keep you right here.”
