SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. – This was supposed to be Demetric Johnson’s breakout season. After a sophomore year in which he gave coaches and fans a glimpse of his potential with sensational catches and runs as a receiver and kick returner, Johnson was moved to running back this year to ensure he would have the ball in his hands more often.
Better known simply as “Little Man” since he was five and played on a baseball team with players 2-3 years older and much bigger, Johnson built a reputation in middle school as South Pittsburg’s next playmaker in football and a potential big-time college prospect. But a series of injuries – a high ankle sprain in a preseason scrimmage and a separated shoulder at the season’s mid-point – left him standing on the sideline in street clothes for four games and limited his speed and ability to cut for several others.
In his absence, sophomore Jajuan Lankford stepped in and led the team with more than 2,000 rushing yards and became a Mr. Football finalist. Rather than pout during his inactivity, Johnson found other means of contributing, including serving as a mentor and advisor to Lankford on the sideline during practice and games.
And as the playoffs began, Johnson’s injuries finally healed and he was able to remind coaches, fans and opponents alike exactly how valuable a player he is on the field as well. While Lankford has continued to be steady through the playoffs, Johnson has been specatcular, rushing for well over 100 yards in all four postseason games and nine touchdowns, including five scoring runs of more than 20 yards.
“It was very frustrating standing around watching games and not being able to help my team,” said Johnson, who enters Friday’s Class 1A championship game against Wayne County with 1,231 rushing yards, averaging more than 9 yards per carry. “I mean, I understand that injuries are part of the game, but that doesn’t make you feel better when you want to be out there so bad.