Burnet receiver Joel Johnson signs with Abilene Christian

JENNIFER FIERRO • STAFF WRITER

BURNET — Burnet High School senior receiver Joel Johnson is trading in his kelly green for Abilene Christian University purple.

Johnson signed his letter of intent to play for the Wildcats on March 7 and will be a preferred walk-on but qualified for some academic scholarships.

“They showed interest, and it’s a great school,” he said. “The coaches are really cool; they treated me with a lot of respect. It’s close to home.”

ACU is a member of the Southland Conference, an NCAA Division I member, and is building a new stadium on campus that is scheduled to open in 2018.

Johnson caught 123 passes for 2,500 yards and 28 touchdowns for the Bulldogs and ranks as the team’s second-leading receiver behind only former great Jordan Shipley, who played in the NFL.

Bulldogs offensive coordinator Jerod Rye said that while Johnson’s on-field production speaks for itself, that’s not the only part that makes him successful.

“He’s a great person, he’s a great leader, a great teammate,” he said. “We knew he was going to show up and work hard. We know his character, and we have no doubt Joel will be successful. It’s a blessing for me to get to know Joel.”

Johnson said he learned plenty about work ethic from his coaches and parents, Kim and Todd Johnson.

Known for his great hands and speed, Johnson has the ability to get to his top speed very quickly. That enabled him to get away from tacklers and turn a play designed for a short gain into a long touchdown.

The athlete plans to major in political science to become an attorney.

Head coach Kurt Jones said it’s always a special day when a Bulldog is able to sign to play on the next level.

“We know the type of athlete Joel is,” he said. “Abilene Christian University is getting a great athlete and a great young man.”

jfierro@thepicayune.com