Johnson looks the part
DALLAS - Colleges who are looking for a defensive back with a big frame can definitely stop looking after seeing the 6-foot-0, 180-pound safety Tejay Johnson.
Johnson was one of many top prospects that made their way to the first 2006 Rivals.com Junior Day this past Saturday at Southern Methodist University. From an eyeball test point of view, Johnson definitely passed with flying colors.
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The bigger frame on this defensive back should serve well. It's already bringing mail to his house on a very regular basis.
"Texas A&M and Duke are coming on really hard right now and they were really the first ones to talk with me," Johnson said. "I actually took an unofficial visit this past year to see A&M play Oklahoma State. The fans were great, they never sat down through the whole game."
"It was loud, real energetic, and great. Duke has a great academic history and that's one of my biggest factors in making my decision."
Johnson says that all this recruiting interest took him somewhat by surprise. However, he feels that he is one of the top players in the Dallas area for this next year.
Being at a program like South Garland has helped vault him into a bigger category of players.
"We had a lot of good players there last year like Del Howard and Alex Ibiloye," Johnson said. "I learned so much from them and they were really helpful in getting not only our program ready for this year, but me as well. My work ethic got better throughout the season watching those guys."
While his talent will earn him offers, that work ethic is something that will carry him to success at the next level.
"Our coach always tells us that it's not who has the most talent, but who wants it the most," Johnson said. "You can't go through anything lightly because then you just are leaving yourself open to being beat."
The appearance at the junior day was something that he feels like will also better him for playing on Saturdays.
"I had a lot of questions going into this," he said about the event. "I wanted to know about the recruiting process and taking visits. That helped me get those answered so I know what I'm going throughout the next year."