Anthony Johnson didn’t waste any time making a mark in his senior season at LaGrange, returning the opening kickoff of the Gators’ jamboree game against Iowa 93 yards for a touchdown.

It is the first of what he hopes will be many good memories, though Johnson, who has committed to play at McNeese, prefers to measure success in wins, not yards. 

“My number one goal is to lead my team in the right direction,” he said. “Next I would just like to win. I’m not too big on stats, I’m just focused on winning.”

Johnson said he learned to lead by watching former Gator teammates  Kevin Victorian, Devin Jack, Jordan Wilson, Colton Frank, and Reginald Weldon.

“I learned how to work hard, be patient and how to be a play maker,” he said. 

“They showed me how to not wait for a play to come to you, and that sometimes you have to be that big dog and go make the play. They also toughened me up as a young player.”

Johnson makes plays in every facet of the game, playing running back, receiver, defensive back and kick returner. 

“I feel that I am a very versatile player, I can play anywhere on the field,” he said. 

“I also feel that I am a big play maker. When it’s crunch time I always show up.”

Johnson relishes opportunities to make big plays. 

“On the field I love to run routes because i like to finesse defensive backs,” he said.  “I also enjoy making people chase me down the field.”

Johnson feels like the Gators are ready to bounce back from a 3-6 season. 

“I like that we are a family, we are young but the young players aren’t scared of challenges,” he said. “We are also athletic.”

The Gators will face plenty of challenges with a schedule that includes games with Notre Dame, Ferriday, Barbe, Sulphur and Acadiana.

Johnson likes the tough schedule. 

“I like to show that not just I but my team can compete with anybody,” he said. “We’ve had a rough couple of years but I feel this year we are about to get things turned around.”

The Sam Houston game is personal for Johnson. 

“We play against one of my good childhood friends Gerron Duhon, me and him love going head to head,” he said.