Merrillville's Johnson looks to show he belongs

At the tender of 5, JoJo Johnson was introduced to the game of football, and it has been all he has known since. From his humble beginnings with the Gary Steelers, Merrillville Pirates and Hessville Vipers, the Merrillville High School standout, who is a three-star recruit and ranked as the #15 prospect in Indiana and #90 athlete in America, has always found a way to shine. Last year, however, he put up big numbers at Morton High School, where he totaled 19 receptions for 286 yards and two touchdowns and recorded 43 carries for 423 yards and nine scores. He also notched eight tackles and tied for the team high with six interceptions, highlighted by two pick-sixes.

"It feels good to be thought of as one of the best. That's what I've been working for. Honestly, I'm not surprised about my success because of my confidence in myself and the hard work I put in. Even before people knew me, I'd be working out with my dad and developing my skills. I contribute my skills to that," Johnson told Sideline Prep Sports Report. Needless to say, people know who he is. And if not, he hopes they will after he helps lead Merrillville to success on the gridiron. Last fall, Merrillville advanced to the Class 6A semi-state game, where they lost to eventual state champ Carmel. "My goals are to win a championship, and, personally, I want to prove that I belong in 6A football," he said.

After being recruited by the likes of Cincinnati, Washington State, San Diego State, Colorado State, Purdue, Toledo, Northern Illinois, Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan, Western Michigan Miami of Ohio, Kent State, Bowling Green, Ball State and Liberty, Johnson intially committed to Northern Illinois before reopening the process and committing with Cincinnati.