Johnson set to start at Iowa State

On Aug. 30, a fired-up Leonard Johnson will run out of the tunnel at Iowa State’s Jack Trice Stadium and play in the first game of his college career.

The Cyclones host South Dakota State in the season opener.

“I can’t wait,” Johnson said.

The former Largo star always imagined playing in this type of big-game atmosphere.

Now, he’ll finally get that chance — as a possible starter.

Johnson said he was moved up to the first-team defense as a defensive back after Chris Singleton went down with a hamstring injury. Johnson also will return punts and kicks.

“I’m trying to be humble and just show what I can do,” Johnson said. “The coaches have liked what they’ve seen so far.”

Last season, Johnson used his improvisational skills as a quarterback to help lead the Packers to their first undefeated regular season and their first appearance in the state semifinals.

He also played defensive back, the position in which he was recruited the most by colleges. After receiving tons of offers, including ones from Ole Miss, USF and West Virginia, Johnson decided to go to Iowa State.

Since July, Johnson has been in Ames, Iowa training for the season. The Cyclones initially had him as a slot receiver. But Johnson stood out more on the other side of the ball.

“The coaches all say they really like my footwork as a defensive back,” Johnson said.

Though he no longer plays for the Packers, Johnson said he still keeps up with the program.

“I think Largo still is going to do well this season,” Johnson said. “They have lost a lot of guys, but they have some good ones coming back.”

-- BOB PUTNAM, Times Staff Writer

Comments

[frioud]

great job boy. im proud of you. keep it up and dont stop

Jay keep up the hard work, because everything you do in life is going to be hard. Every day you have to fight for your job and never let up becuase there is someone out there who will push you. Go Cyclones

thanks for the positive falcon

good luck

[falcon]

good job man you were one of the best QBs in the area hope your college career goes well.

Well done. Good to see a local kid do well at the next level.

Johnson is a class act.

Good Luck L.J/