Interest is building for Commonwealth ATH

A number of schools are keeping tabs on a Commonwealth athlete. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder still hasn't pulled an offer to date, but plenty of colleges are monitoring him this season.

"I've been to Virginia Tech's camp, Virginia, Pittsburgh, Duke and Richmond," Woodbridge (Va.) Forest Park athlete Jared Johnston said. "I was invited to Marshall, JMU and Rutgers as well.

"I'm getting a lot of I-AA schools interested. I think after this season, I'll get a lot of offers."

What's Johnston's status with colleges?

"A lot of them want to see film on me because I didn't play much as a junior," he stated. "I was affected by the transfer rule and sat out the first three or four games and then played a few games in spot duty before I broke my ankle and missed the rest of the season."

Virginia Tech appears to have the early advantage for the rising prospect.

"I'm a big fan of Virginia Tech," he said. "That's my dream school.

"I have two cousins that go there, Dyrell Roberts and Xavier Boyce. That's my top school. Coach Gray asked if I had any film when I was at their camp. He told me to send in my two scrimmages in August. Hopefully they'll be good with that and can offer."

Clearly Tech has an advantage, but what is Johnston looking for in a college?

"One of the main things is that I don't want to be too far from my family," he said. "I'm also looking at academics. I want to major in sports medicine, management or physical therapy. Of course, I want a good football program, good tradition and an up and coming school too. I want to be a difference maker and put them on the map."

Johnston saw time last season at quarterback and safety as a junior. Does he care what position he plays?

"As long as I get a shot to play, that's what matters the most."