Remember this face. It's one of a wanted young man. Roderick Johnson is a hot commodity on the Division I recruiting circuit, landing offers from multiple college football powers. He's also a solid competitor in the shot put and throws the discus too.
Photo by Mark Guthrel
doesn't need to talk much to get noticed. Such is life when you are 6-foot-7, 330 pounds.
He's not a boisterous type out there looking for attention, and he doesn't need to shout anyways, because the
Hazelwood Central (Florissant, Mo.) giant is a top-tier football recruit and one of the better shot put throwers in Missouri. His dual-sport success makes him the next on the list of our Reebok Dynamic Athletes, and obviously gets him noticed.
The star left tackle leads by example rather than words, and he has his head in the right place as he mulls over offers from 13 to 17 big-ticket college football programs like Alabama, Florida State, Michigan, Oklahoma and more. Furthermore, he has the ultimate respect for his parents, his school, his coaches and teammates. He calls his outlook "Humble yet hungry."
Johnson carries a 3.3 grade point average and is laudedfor his leadership by example.
Photo by Mark Guthrel
"I'm gonna always remember where I come from. You should never forget and you thank coaches and players for making you who you are and make sure things are straight when you leave," said Johnson, who does track for the athletic and social benefits. "I started (shout put) in high school. My coach told me to go out there and I just had fun with the team and it was something to do instead of sitting around all spring."
See our special Roderick Johnson photo galleryPlaying multiple sports is hardly a given when it comes to marquee recruits like Johnson. But the senior said it's something that more should entertain the idea of doing.
"Take advantage of the extracurricular activities. You're only in high school for four years," he said.
The big man has parental support as he continues traveling all over the country on recruiting visits, and he also has genetics from those same parents that definitely have led to athletic success. He keeps his grades up as well, as Johnson estimates he has a GPA around 3.3.
"I get good grades to make my parents proud. My momma didn't raise no fool," he said.
Coach speak: "He's an all around great kid. He takes care of his business, does the right thing all the time and his personality hooks you immediately. That is Roderick. He has the opportunity most people dream about."
- Head football coach Van VanattaSee all the Reebok Dynamic Athletes
