Vols storm into 2010 with offer to Georgia running back

Storm Johnson expected to be in this position.

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound running back from Buford (Ga.) High School is only a junior, but he’s already received scholarship offers from four schools: Tennessee, Stanford, South Florida and Central Florida.

Johnson can credit his work ethic and confidence for his early success.

“I’ve always had big dreams,” Johnson said. “I’ve never dreamed small.

“I still have a dream of playing in the NFL. I always knew if I worked a certain way I would be the player I should be.”

Johnson has already become a player worth a scholarship offer from UT.

Johnson said he received the offer from Vols defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron.

“I loved it,” Johnson said. “Tennessee is an up and coming program. They have all new coaches so I can’t wait to see what they do in the year (2009).”

Johnson has already seen UT’s success in the past. He said he’s waiting to see if new UT coach Lane Kiffin and his staff can rebuild the Vols.

“It was 2007 they went to the SEC championship game so I know they’re competitive,” Johnson said. “They just need the right guidance from the coaching staff to get there. They’re a real good up and coming program.”

Johnson will likely have offers from more programs in the near future.

He said he’s received interest from Alabama, Florida, LSU, Texas, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State, Miami, Georgia Tech and UCLA.

With so much early college attention, Johnson said he’s received advice from highly touted cornerback Branden Smith from Booker T. Washington in nearby Atlanta.

Smith is committed to sign with Georgia next month.

“He just told me don’t let all this stuff get to your head,” Johnson said. “Just use it as a working tool and keep working at it. Never get perfect.”

A perfect fit for Johnson would seem to be joining his friend Smith at Georgia.

Johnson, however, said he’s more interested in playing outside the state, although he hasn’t closed the door on the Bulldogs yet.

“Right now it’s medium,” Johnson said of his interest in Georgia. “If they came hard I would be interested in them.

“I’m looking to meet new people and go to a state I’ve never been before. I don’t want to stay at home. My parents don’t want me to stay at home either.”

Finding his next home is the key.

Johnson, who plans to graduate high school in December, said he’ll be looking for a school that feels like home.

“That’s the biggest decision I’ll make,” he said, “because no matter what you do on the football field, if you don’t feel welcome or you don’t feel like it’s home you’re not going to have a great time there.”

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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