2019 WR/CB Rodney Johnson looks forward to fresh start as a Senior at new school (Story)

A 3-year starter 2019 WR/CB Rodney Johnson will be attending high school at University Ferndale which has a co-op with Ferndale High School for Football after a 3-year stint at Detroit Central.

The 5'10 160 lbs Athlete who entered The D Zone's radar as a Freshman, had an up and down high school career he described, "I️ got a chance to play with some of the best athletes in the state going into Central my first year," said Johnson. "Honestly my first year I️ wasn’t ready like I️ believed I️ was, I️ had a terrible sophomore season, so after that season I️ knew work had to be put in and something had to be done to come back for a stronger (junior) year."

Johnson's junior year was nothing like the first two years as he had 24 receptions, 346 receiving yards, and 6 touchdowns. Defensively, Johnson compiled 54 tackles, 16 pbu's, and 5 interceptions.

Johnson attributes a lot of his growth to current seniors, Jerrod Vines and El-Julian Jordan, "I️ watched Jerrod Vines who was like a big brother figure to me. I️ studied how he ran his routes and his foot-work. El-Julian Jordan was also another big brother figure to me, he was hard on me my Sophomore year and I️ thank him for that because I️t made me extremely better for my junior year."

Central is one of the most successful programs in the state with 10 state championships but up until the past two years, the Trailblazers have struggled to win. In 2017 and 2016 Central had an incredible turnaround where they reached the Regional Finals and this past year the 458 points scored were a school record. "The turnaround of Central's program was amazing, I’m glad I️ got to be a part of it," said Johnson.

The 2018 season will be a new experience for Johnson as he'll leave the Detroit Public School League for the OAA-Blue, but isn't expecting much to change with his production, 'I️ expect to have an outstanding year at Ferndale, so far I️ like the program and I️ have aspirations of being the best athlete of my class by the end of 2019."

Johnson plans to give his best effort to conclude his high school career and is excited to lead by example as a Senior. Johnson who has played both ways due to low enrollment at Central, will certainly not be taking plays off as a Senior, Johnson commented on what he does to have success, "During practice days and at camps I like to get reps In order to perfect my craft."

The D Zone recently saw Rodney Johnson at Camp Pride last weekend and the senior had a great performance, "I knew that there would be good competition at Camp Pride," said Johnson. "My mindset going into the camp was that no one would stop me from working and performing at the highest level I️ was capable of."

Johnson was recognized as 1 of the top 12 performers at the event.