Post by 50yardfan on Dec 30, 2010 13:08:15 GMT -5
HARRISBURG, PA (December 29, 2010) - For the second time this week the Harrisburg Stampede signed a former star performer from a BCS school, this time by inking veteran defensive back and returner Richard Johnson, who gained notoriety at Virginia Tech and also earned a national title in 2010 with the Baltimore Mariners.
Stampede General Manager and Head Coach Bernie Nowotarski noted, "What can I even say about signing RJ. He is a high quality, complete and multi-talented player. He's an outstanding young man off the field and is a perfect fit for our team and community. He understands how Coach Gaunt runs his defense and this guy is just as lethal on the offensive side of the ball. Am I glad to have him? You bet I am."
A prep star at Baltimore's Milford Mill Academy, Johnson earned All-Metro, All-State, and All-American honors while stockpiling nearly 6,000 yards of total offense during his career with the Millers.
As a senior in 1999 he threw for 1,109 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 1,138 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. He finished his career for Milford Mill with 41 career aerial scoring strikes and 28 rushing touchdowns while emerging as the SuperPrep 5th ranked wide receiver and 28th overall prospect in the nation.
With the Florida State Seminoles, Michigan Wolverines, and Syracuse Orangemen knocking on his door Johnson decided to head south to Virginia Tech.
A four-year letterman for the Hokies, Johnson led Virginia Tech in kick returns in 2001 and 2002 and still ranks among the school's all time leaders with a 21.5 yards per return career average.
He also set a Virginia Tech bowl record when he totaled 118 yards on five kickoff returns against Florida State in the 2002 Gator Bowl. During his time at Virginia Tech he totaled 752 yards on 35 returns and pulled in 39 receptions for 421 yards.
Johnson made his professional debut with the Evansville Bluecats in 2006 and saw time on defense, offense, and special teams. After a one-year hiatus he signed with the Baltimore Mariners in 2008.
In three seasons with the Mariners he compiled impressive numbers on all sides of the ball. He is the Mariners' all-time tackle leader with 109, ranks second with 24 interceptions, and is second in return yards with 874.
Offensively he ranks fourth in receptions with 36 and fifth in receiving yards with 394. He also scored 11 touchdowns in his time with the Mariners.
In 2009 he finished 22nd in the league in tackles and had a breakout year in 2010 as the Mariners tallied a 16-0 record and earned the national championship.
On special teams he tied for the league lead in missed field goal return touchdowns, ranked third in missed field goal returns yards, and ninth in kick return yards. Defensively he led the league in interception return yards, was sixth in interception return TDs, and finished tenth in passes defended.
For information on 2011 Harrisburg Stampede please visit www.harrisburgstampede.com.
Stampede General Manager and Head Coach Bernie Nowotarski noted, "What can I even say about signing RJ. He is a high quality, complete and multi-talented player. He's an outstanding young man off the field and is a perfect fit for our team and community. He understands how Coach Gaunt runs his defense and this guy is just as lethal on the offensive side of the ball. Am I glad to have him? You bet I am."
A prep star at Baltimore's Milford Mill Academy, Johnson earned All-Metro, All-State, and All-American honors while stockpiling nearly 6,000 yards of total offense during his career with the Millers.
As a senior in 1999 he threw for 1,109 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 1,138 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. He finished his career for Milford Mill with 41 career aerial scoring strikes and 28 rushing touchdowns while emerging as the SuperPrep 5th ranked wide receiver and 28th overall prospect in the nation.
With the Florida State Seminoles, Michigan Wolverines, and Syracuse Orangemen knocking on his door Johnson decided to head south to Virginia Tech.
A four-year letterman for the Hokies, Johnson led Virginia Tech in kick returns in 2001 and 2002 and still ranks among the school's all time leaders with a 21.5 yards per return career average.
He also set a Virginia Tech bowl record when he totaled 118 yards on five kickoff returns against Florida State in the 2002 Gator Bowl. During his time at Virginia Tech he totaled 752 yards on 35 returns and pulled in 39 receptions for 421 yards.
Johnson made his professional debut with the Evansville Bluecats in 2006 and saw time on defense, offense, and special teams. After a one-year hiatus he signed with the Baltimore Mariners in 2008.
In three seasons with the Mariners he compiled impressive numbers on all sides of the ball. He is the Mariners' all-time tackle leader with 109, ranks second with 24 interceptions, and is second in return yards with 874.
Offensively he ranks fourth in receptions with 36 and fifth in receiving yards with 394. He also scored 11 touchdowns in his time with the Mariners.
In 2009 he finished 22nd in the league in tackles and had a breakout year in 2010 as the Mariners tallied a 16-0 record and earned the national championship.
On special teams he tied for the league lead in missed field goal return touchdowns, ranked third in missed field goal returns yards, and ninth in kick return yards. Defensively he led the league in interception return yards, was sixth in interception return TDs, and finished tenth in passes defended.
For information on 2011 Harrisburg Stampede please visit www.harrisburgstampede.com.