Two years ago Arkansas traveled to Mandeville, LA and came away with safety Jerry Mitchell, now the Razorbacks are looking just up the road. Saint Paul’s School for Boys is home to one of the top players in Louisiana, defensive tackle Mickey Johnson (6-1/310).
“Arkansas offered me yesterday (March 4th). I like Arkansas. I played against Jerry and he’s a great friend of mine. I plan to do my research on them and find out more.”
With such a close friend already on campus, would that be an advantage for Razorbacks?
“I wouldn't think so. Where ever I feel comfortable athletically and academically, I will go to that school. I don’t plan on deciding until National Signing Day. I am just going to enjoy the process.”
Mickey has already attended junior days at Mississippi State and LSU. With no other current plans, his summer will likely be a busy one.
“I’m hoping to get up to Arkansas when school is over. I hear they have a wonderful weight room and that they push academics a lot. “
Most kids in the Natural State grow up with the dreaming of playing for the instate Razorbacks. The same is the case with those in Louisiana and the LSU Tigers. Johnson explains his take on that situation.
“I didn’t necessarily grow up a LSU fan. If I am not comfortable with LSU then I wouldn't attend school there. It’s going to be the next four years of my life. If I do not like it then the fours years will not be enjoyable.”
This season Arkansas started Dequinta Jones at defensive tackle as a true freshman. Jones is also a Louisiana native. With early playing time always a possibility in today’s college football, will that factor into Johnson’s decision?
“Playing time is important to me and at the same time it is not. If coach needs to red shirt me then I would be more than happy. If that was the case I would be able to really focus on my academics.”
At Saint Paul’s Mickey does not have the common problem with teenage boys and school work.
“Saint Paul’s is an all boy school. Its okay, there are less distractions.”
For someone that is such a terror for opposing coaches Mickey Johnson sure is a pleasure off the field.
