Shrine Bowl WR down to two
SPARTANBURG, S.C.- After a senior season that saw him haul in more than 100 passes and rack up more than 1,000 receiving yards, Newland (N.C.) Avery County wide out Josh Johnson has three college finalists for his services.
"I've got it narrowed down to three schools," Johnson said. "I'm down to Vanderbilt, James Madison and Appalachian State."
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He talked about what he liked about the Commodores and said he has been talking regularly with his Vanderbilt recruiter, receivers coach Charlie Fisher.
"I like the surroundings," Johnson said, "It's a great school and you get a good education."
Vandy's competitive season also has made an impression.
"I was very impressed when they played Florida," he said. "Taking it down to the overtime was very impressive."
He also took note of the Commodores' season-ending 28-24 win against rival Tennessee.
"That kind of turned my head a little bit," Johnson said.
After catching 101 passes for more than 1,400 yards and 18 touchdowns while leading his team to an 11-3 mark and the third round of the playoffs, Johnson was selected to the North Carolina squad for the 69th annual Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas
"I'm really excited," Johnson said. "I'm looking forward to it. I am glad to be here. The coaches accepted me and I am happy that they did.
"I will try and make them proud"
The 6-foot-2, 182-pound Johnson and his North Carolina teammates will begin practice for Saturday's 1 p.m. game against the South Carolina all-stars at 9:30 a.m. Monday.
As for his other favorites, they represent two of the top programs in Division I-AA. James Madison captured the 2004 national title in that division and ASU will square off against Northern Iowa for this season's title Saturday in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Both schools had a familiar feeling for Johnson.
"James Madison kind of reminded me of home," he said. "I walked in and there are mountains in the background and I liked the coaching staff.
"Appalachian is almost in my back yard."