FAYETTEVILLE — Highland’s Avery Johnson had high hopes of earning a scholarship offer from Arkansas with a good showing at the three day camp.
Those hopes quickly faded when Johnson starting experiencing a tight quadricep and was seen limping after testing that included the 40 yard dash and pro-shuttle.
“I really can’t do anything because of my quad,” Johnson said. “But after talking to coach (Barry) Lunney, I’ll back in July for a camp. I should be good then. I’m going to do everything I can to be good.”
Johnson, 6-1, 213, 4.54 seconds in the 40 yard dash, has offers from Arkansas State and Southern Miss. He had planned to work at safety and linebacker during the camp. Video highlights CLICK HERE
“Probably in July, I’ll come back and do some safety and linebacker,” he said.
Johnson had 62 rushes for 664 yards, a 10.7 yards a carry average and 10 touchdowns along with 32 receptions for 449 yards and 6 touchdowns last year. Defensively, he had 35 tackles, 6 interceptions and a recovered fumble.
“By being here, I’m trying to show everything I have and obviously try and get a scholarship,” Johnson said. “I would love to come here. It’s always been a dream to play here. That’s the biggest thing right now, just showing them what I have to offer.”
At a recent Oklahoma State camp, Johnson had three interceptions during 7-on-7 competition.
“I played linebacker at Oklahoma State and I really loved it,” Johnson said. “It felt more natural to me. I think that’s what I really think I’ll like and do, but it’s all up to them when it comes down to it.”
He believes Oklahoma State and Memphis could be close to offering.