Johnson announced on twitter last weekend that “I’m officially at Springfield #Wildcats.”
Trotwood athletic director Guy Fogle confirmed that Johnson has withdrawn from there. Springfield AD Mike Dellapina indicated he was unaware if Johnson had enrolled.
At 6 feet 1, 150 pounds, Johnson emerged as Trotwood’s go-to receiver as a sophomore and junior. Last season he accounted for nearly half of junior quarterback Markell Stephens-Peppers’ completions with 51 catches for 882 yards (17.3) and 13 touchdowns. He had five games of five or more catches and went for a season-best nine receptions for 139 yards and two scores in a 50-21 romp of Stebbins.
Trotwood (12-3) lost to Akron Hoban 30-0 in the Division III state championship.
He was just as reliable as a sophomore, with 52 catches for 599 yards (11.5) and six touchdowns. Trotwood (10-4) lost to Toledo Central Catholic in a D-III state semifinal.
That’s a combined 103 catches for 1,481 yards (14.3) and 19 touchdowns the last two seasons.
Johnson’s productivity was key because most of the Rams’ offense in 2015-16 revolved around senior running back Ra’veion Hargrove. Teams often put eight-nine defenders near the line of scrimmage to stop Hargrove. Trotwood effectively countered by going to Johnson.
Johnson also was a key sub on Trotwood's 26-3 basketball team last season that lost to Akron St. Vincent-St. Marys in the D-II state semifinals.
Johnson is at least the second high-profile player to transfer prior to the coming season. Last week linebacker Antwuan Johnson confirmed he had switched from Dunbar to Wayne for his senior season.
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