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[ Monday, Jan. 31, 2000 ]
Top-ranked recruits Johnson, Wake commit to Penn State
By Brent Seberhagen
Collegian Staff Writer
When the Penn State football staff brought in Larry Johnson Sr. to assume duties as defensive ends coach, they had no idea of the bag of goodies he would bring to State College.
Two years ago, Johnson unveiled treat No. 1 as his first son, Larry Jr., announced his intentions to play football for Penn State. After a redshirt year, the running back burst onto the football scene as Penn State's fourth-leading rusher, proving himself among the squad's most difficult runners to tackle.
Treat No. 2 included another addition to Penn State's athletic and academic community. Teresa Johnson, Larry Sr.'s only daughter, elected to join Penn State's softball team. She will enroll this fall.
PHOTO: Tara Liddell/Collegian
Tony Johnson addressed the press on Friday.
But last Friday was Tony's day. Tony, the No. 3 treat from Larry Sr. and the twin brother of Teresa, is among the nation's highest-rated recruits. He has garnered the distinction of being named an All-American running back by Parade Magazine, the same service that once named LaVar Arrington its high school player of the year.
At 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Tony held a press conference in his gymnasium at State College High School. He was to announce between Penn State, Kentucky, Michigan and North Carolina. Tony indicated through most of the recruiting year that Kentucky held a slight lead, so the chance remained that Larry's latest treat would taste as bitter as tonic water.
"The school I chose to continue my education and football career is. . .," he paused. Every person in attendance was hanging on his last word.
"Penn State University."
And the gymnasium erupted into cheers as if the Little Lions had just sank the game-winning shot against rival Bellefonte.
Tony, who rushed for 1,915 yards and 28 touchdowns his senior year, visited Kentucky earlier in the year. Lexington almost came away with his services.
"Back in September, I visited Kentucky and liked it so much that I was sure that was the place for me," he said.
"When I came back to visit Penn State, it just hit home for me," he later added. "Getting the opportunity to play with my older brother and sister was probably my biggest influence."
Tony, like fellow recruit Mike Gasparato, could play any number of positions. But he indicated he'll take his 6-foot, 195-pound frame, and 4.5 40-yard speed, and begin his Penn State career at wide receiver.
The top-rated kicker in the nation, State College's Dave Kimball, joined Johnson in the press conference. The first-team all-stater, who booted a 53-yard field-goal, reconfirmed his commitment to Penn State, stating "it really wasn't that hard of a decision."
Kimball, who is surprisingly shy, combines with Johnson to give State College two Parade All-Americans. The last Parade All-American to attend State College High School was former Penn State and Chicago Bears running back Matt Suhey.
In other recruiting news, Penn State received a highly anticipated verbal commitment from outside linebacker/defensive end Derek Wake last Thursday.
Wake (6 feet 3 inches, 230 pounds; 4.55 40-yard speed) hails from DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Md. He posted 17 sacks last season as a senior. Ignoring Michigan's offer, Wake ultimately chose between Penn State, Maryland and Virginia Tech.
The speedy athlete was recognized not only as a first-team All-Met defensive lineman by The Washington Post, but also as its defensive player of the year. Rivals100 rates him the No. 10 defensive end prospect in the nation.
Wake is considered somewhat of a raw talent with great upside potential. The former basketball player took up football only two years ago, and is still learning the finer points of the game.
Known for his outstanding pass-rushing abilities, Wake is expected to step in and compete for playing time as a freshman at the weak-side linebacker position.
