Legends of the Fall -- Clear Springs' Marcus Johnson

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THE STUDENT

Clear Springs' Marcus Johnson, Football Star WR

Always Working to Get Better

By Ahmard Vital

In some cases, what people do for their occupation is what they also enjoy doing in their down time. This describes a player like Clear Springs' wide receiver Marcus Johnson.

“When I am not playing football I am doing something that makes me become a better football player,” Johnson said. “I’m devoted to working out or studying film. I’m just always doing stuff that will help me play better.”

And that could be the reason more than 15 programs wanted to see him on their campus next year wearing their uniform. Before it is all said and done, he will sign with the University of Texas, which has been a life-long dream.

But enough about the football stuff. Who is Marcus Johnson?

“I’m a guy who likes to hang out with friends and play on my PlayStation 3,” Johnson said. “I have a variety of games I play, but Call of Duty and NCAA Football are probably my favorites.”

Oh wait, there’s more. This shows more of Johnson’s technical side.

“In my down time, I love studying the body. I like reading about how the body works,” Johnson said. “I just like all of the things that have to do with the medical field. That is what I want to do in college too, study some form of medicine. Maybe physical therapy because I like learning about myself and my body.”

For Johnson, the season ended in the area round with a loss at the hands of Port Arthur Memorial, which slipped by with a 38-35 at Baytown Stallworth Stadium. But you will not hear any complaints coming from Johnson, nor regrets. In fact, he actually feels the opposite.

“We started the season 0-3 and everybody said we were done. But this team stayed focused,” Johnson said. “Based on what people said about us in the preseason, we exceeded expectations. I’m proud of my teammates for working hard.”

Johnson had 64 catches for 1,273 yards and 16 touchdowns. Not a bad year for a guy who was the No. 2 or 3 receiver just a year ago. For Johnson to achieve these numbers and to gain the attention of a number of college recruiters, it took some inner work. Let him tell it.

“I start by listening to some music to get me in the zone. All of my music is up-tempo, no love songs or things like that,” Johnson said. “Then, I visualize myself on the field making plays. I take time to think about what I need to do.”

Clearly, what he has been doing works for him.