Post by marinersmedia on Sept 17, 2009 11:25:04 GMT -5
Richard Johnson Starred at Milford Mill, Virginia Tech; Mariners Career Tackle Leader
BALTIMORE, MD (September 17, 2009) – Richard Johnson, the Baltimore Mariners’ all-time leader in tackles, an All-American at Milford Mill Academy, and a record breaker for the Virginia Tech Hokies, has re-signed with the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) team.
“I am very excited to have Richard back for the 2010 campaign. He is one of the fiercest competitors on the field and also a classy individual off the field. Richard adds firepower to both sides of the ball and will continue to be a dominant force in the Mariners run at an AIFA championship in 2010,” commented Mariners General Manager Greg Justice.
As an All-Metro, All-State, and All-American performer at Milford Mill Academy of Baltimore, Johnson amassed nearly 6,000 yards of total offense during his career, while displaying talent at multiple positions on both sides of the ball. 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 the Millers 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.
A four-year letterman at Virginia Tech, Johnson led the Hokies 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.
In three professional seasons, including two with the Mariners, Johnson has continued to be a threat on both sides of the ball and on special teams. As a defensive back he has totaled 90.5 tackles (77 solo/27 assisted) and 16 interceptions, including three for scores. He leads the Mariners’ all time list with 78 tackles. As a kick returner he has a career 21.84 yards per return average and three return TDs. While he focused on defense and special teams in 2009, the Baltimore native was also an effective receiver in 2008 leading the Mariners in receptions with 34.
Baltimore Head Coach Chris Simpson also looks forward to Johnson’s return in 2010, “Richard is a tremendous athlete and a tested leader of this football team. He can play both sides of the ball equally well and one of the best return specialists in the league.”
For more information about the Baltimore Mariners go to www.baltimoremariners.com.
BALTIMORE, MD (September 17, 2009) – Richard Johnson, the Baltimore Mariners’ all-time leader in tackles, an All-American at Milford Mill Academy, and a record breaker for the Virginia Tech Hokies, has re-signed with the American Indoor Football Association (AIFA) team.
“I am very excited to have Richard back for the 2010 campaign. He is one of the fiercest competitors on the field and also a classy individual off the field. Richard adds firepower to both sides of the ball and will continue to be a dominant force in the Mariners run at an AIFA championship in 2010,” commented Mariners General Manager Greg Justice.
As an All-Metro, All-State, and All-American performer at Milford Mill Academy of Baltimore, Johnson amassed nearly 6,000 yards of total offense during his career, while displaying talent at multiple positions on both sides of the ball. 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 the Millers 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.
A four-year letterman at Virginia Tech, Johnson led the Hokies 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.
In three professional seasons, including two with the Mariners, Johnson has continued to be a threat on both sides of the ball and on special teams. As a defensive back he has totaled 90.5 tackles (77 solo/27 assisted) and 16 interceptions, including three for scores. He leads the Mariners’ all time list with 78 tackles. As a kick returner he has a career 21.84 yards per return average and three return TDs. While he focused on defense and special teams in 2009, the Baltimore native was also an effective receiver in 2008 leading the Mariners in receptions with 34.
Baltimore Head Coach Chris Simpson also looks forward to Johnson’s return in 2010, “Richard is a tremendous athlete and a tested leader of this football team. He can play both sides of the ball equally well and one of the best return specialists in the league.”
For more information about the Baltimore Mariners go to www.baltimoremariners.com.