Johnson set for UA game, Clemson

Clayton (N.C.) Cleveland defensive lineman Sterling Johnson was at track practice last year working on his speed when he received the invite to January's Under Armour All-America game.

"First and foremost, it's a blessing," he said. "It's a dream come true. I remember watching it in eighth grade and telling myself I was going to play in that game. And now it's here."

Johnson took the next formal step in realizing that dream Thursday when he was presented with his Under Armour All-American jersey during a morning ceremony at his school.

The 6-foot-5, 279-pounder, rated a three-star prospect by Rivals.com, committed to Clemson in May and was recruited by Tennessee, North Carolina, N.C. State, Alabama and South Carolina, among others.

He is also set today to sign financial aid papers that reflect his intent to be an early enrollee and join the huge cast of more than a dozen members of Clemson's 2015 class as January arrivals.

Johnson stays in regular contact with area recruiter Mike Reed as well as defensive tackles coach Dan Brooks.

"I talk to them once or twice a week," he said. "Most of the time it's not even football-related. It's not like they're telling me they're going to use me here or there. And honestly, I appreciate that more than anything because it makes you feel like you're not just a football player to them. They care about you."

Cleveland is off to a 7-1 start, with its only loss coming to Garner and 2015 high three-star back Nyheim Hines, Johnson's close friend. The Rams have surrendered more than 21 points just once in the last five games.

"I was looking at my midseason highlight film, and I've definitely seen I can play the reach-block, get off of it and tackle the sweep a lot better this year," he said. "I'm playing the option a lot better."

Johnson said he has watched all of Clemson's games on television and is chomping at the bit to enroll. He communicates frequently with several classmates he met at the program's "All-In Cookout" social in July, including defensive ends Austin Bryant and Clelin Ferrell as well as receiver Shadell Bell.

"Clemson's offense is young, and if they can capitalize on more opportunities, they can average a few more touchdowns per game," he said. "On top of that, their defense is just ridiculous with the level they're playing at right now."

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