Hillsborough RB Johnson commits to FAMU

Posted Jan 30, 2010 by Bill Ward

Updated Jan 30, 2010 at 12:45 PM

Rodney Johnson, Hillsborough High’s leading rusher last season with 802 yards and eight touchdowns on 89 carries, has made a verbal commitment to Florida A&M University, Terriers running backs coach Alonso Ashwood confirmed Saturday.

The 5-foot-8, 176-pound Johnson was also a sure-handed receiver for Hillsborough, catching 10 balls for 118 yards and one TD. He also had offers from Murray State, Bethune-Cookman and Youngstown State.

“I think FAMU is a good fit for him,” said Ashwood, himself a former Rattler. “I think what sealed the deal for him was the fact there are a lot of kids from the area playing there who have done well and brought a lot of attention to the program, including [former Blake High star] LeRoy Vann.”

Vann was recently named to the 2009 Sheridan Broadcasting Network Sports Black College All-American (BCAA) team. Vann completed his collegiate career as the fifth player ever in NCAA Football Championship Series history to compile over 1,000 yards in kickoff and punt returns. He finished his senior season with five TD punt returns and an NCAA record 11 combined returns for TDs in his career.

Johnson played his junior season at Middleton, where he led the Tigers in rushing with 672 yards on 150 carriers and scored three TDs.

In other news from Hillsborough, the Terriers linemen—Dan Ljuna, Aldophus Barnes and Brandon McFadden—made a short road trip together Friday to Babson Park for a visit at Webber International University, an NAIA school in athletics. Ashwood said the trio were impressed by the Warriors coaching staff and facilities could be making a commitment there soon.

Also, Ashwood said Hillsborough tight end Jordan Duval, who had 27 catches for 375 yards and six TDs last season, has received confirmation of preferred walk-on status at the University of South Florida. The 6-3, 215-pound Duval, who was the Terriers’ second-leading receiver in catches and TDs behind Charles Lovett, has also received interest from Louisiana State, Lafayette, Towson University and Florida International.