ESPN 300 defensive lineman Sterling Johnson was presented with his Under Armour All-America Game jersey Thursday morning in a ceremony sponsored by American Family Insurance. The ceremony took place in front of family, friends, teammates, classmates and school faculty on the campus of Cleveland High in Clayton, North Carolina.
Thursday was a dream come true for the Tar Heel state defensive end that began in the eighth grade.
“Honestly, it’s a dream come true and a blessing,” Johnson said. “I remember when I was in eighth grade, I watched the Under Armour Game and told myself I want to play in that game. Now it’s here, and it’s a dream come true,”
Johnson not only fulfilled a childhood dream, but also is the first from Clayton High to receive the honor of playing in the prestigious game.
“I feel that it means a lot to my school and community. Our school has only been opened five years, but it’s a big deal and I hope that opens the doors for others to be selected in the future. Community wise, it means a lot for people to say Sterling Johnson is an Under Armour All-American and he comes to our cookouts every week. It’s the little things that means a lot.”
No. 109 Johnson committed to Clemson on May 13 over offers from NC State, Virginia, UCLA, North Carolina and Florida. Johnson joins No. 113 Garrett Williams, No. 126 Clelin Ferrell and No. 151 Ray-Ray McCloud as Clemson commits in the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game, which will be played on Jan. 2 on ESPN2.
Eight questions with Sterling Johnson
Is there any one player you are looking forward to going up against at the Under Armour Game or practices?
Johnson: Not anyone specifically. I feel that just the opportunity overall to go against the best of the best is great. When you go to a game like Under Armour or The Opening, it’s a chance to go against guys that may be rated higher.
If you were to start a team with any other player in your class, who would it be and why?
Johnson: Honestly, probably Kyler Murray. I really like the way he plays. He’s not the biggest guy, but he brings a tenacity to the game and the intensity and will to win.
Who is the best player to ever play in the Under Armour game that you know of?
Johnson: I think it’s Jadeveon Clowney from a physicality and upside standpoint. The defensive end that went to Texas A&M [Myles Garrett] that played last year, he tore it up and he really impressed me.
What is your earliest football memory?
Johnson: I’ve only played football since the seventh grade. My first memory was the first game I started. I had like six tackles, two sacks and caused a fumble – I went off [laughing]. We lost like 28-0, but I didn’t care. I liked [how I] played and had fun.
Which football player did you idolize or want to be like when you were a kid?
Johnson: I wasn’t into football when I was 8 or 9, so I didn’t have anyone back then. I guess Julius Peppers being from North Carolina. Physically the things he could do, and you never heard about him in trouble or anything.
If you could take on any pro player in their sport, who would it be?
Johnson: I would probably challenge Dwight Howard to a 3-point shooting contest. I think that I might be able to beat him [laughing]. I would take on a pro in something I would have a chance to win.
What number do you wear and why?
Johnson: I wore 76 when I first started playing, but I wear 90 now. I wanted 99, but someone already had it. I wear 90 because my dad wore 90 in high school.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Johnson: The happy type of person I am. The fact that I smile about 90 percent of the time may surprise people. They say I’m angry on the field and a clown off the field.