"We have two more games to go,"
added the 5' 11", 180 pound Leonard Johnson. "We have been knocked out
in the 3rd of the (class 5A) playoffs every year since I have been here, so we
are looking to make run this year. We have only lost five games since I have been
here and three of those were in the playoffs. "
Leonard is Largo's
starting quarterback but is projected to play corner on the next level.
"I
have not played much corner this year. I started the first game at corner and
got a pick, but I am mainly playing quarterback right now. I have over 700 passing
yards, 600 rushing yards and 17 total TD's.
The projected cornerback on
the next level feels like he has plenty of experience on the island where he will
not have to make a big adjustment once he settles back in at corner.
"I
have played corner all four years I have played varsity ball. My freshman and
sophomore years, I started at corner every game. I play corner now every time
we play a team that throws the ball a lot. I set the school interception record
in a season with seven my freshman year. I have 14 interceptions during my career."
Which
colleges have offered?
"I have 12 total offers. Ohio State, Nebraska,
West Virginia, Iowa State, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Memphis, Indiana, and
Iowa. There are a couple more. I know I am leaving a few schools off. I just can
not think of them all right now."
Who is keeping in phone contact?
"Ole
Miss, Iowa State, Troy, Oklahoma State, and West Virginia."
Any official
visits on tap?
"I went to Iowa State (9/27) and Troy (10/5) and I
want to see Ole Miss and West Virginia."
What stood out about Iowa
State during Johnson's visit?
"Their staff probably. Coach Chizik
is from the same neighborhood and went to the same high school as my dad. I just
like their staff. I am hoping they can turn things around."
What about
Troy?
"The opportunity is wide open to go play there. They are losing
both of their starting corners. It is wide open."
What has Leonard
interested in Ole Miss?
"The way they slide to the ball on defense.
I am good friends with Dexter McCluster. We played together. He is always telling
me the positives they have with their school, the academic side of things, and
the way they play ball."
What stands out about West Virginia?
"They
play a nickel defense, which means they have an extra defensive back playing at
all times. This would be just another opportunity for me to go in and play early.
I just want to get in and play. I do not want to sit around or anything like that."