Johnson falls in family tradition

By Max Pipman
Collegian Staff Writer

Penn State's football recruiting class was strong this off-season, especially with the addition of local prep star Tony Johnson.

Johnson, who played running back at State College High School, committed to Penn State and will bring his 6-foot-1, 195-pound body and talent to the team.

For Johnson, a Parade High School All-American, Penn State is like a home away from home. He is following in the footsteps of several members of his family.

His father, Larry Johnson Sr., is the defensive line coach for the Nittany Lions. Tony's brother, Larry Jr., is a redshirt junior on the team and was the fourth leading rusher as a backup tailback last season.

Tony said the main reason he chose Penn State was his family and "having the opportunity to play with my brother at the collegiate level."

There was not pressure from his family to go to Penn State.

The advice his father gave him was, "Do what's best for you. Take the whole picture, which involves the whole family."

In high school, Tony played running back, but will probably take his speed and size to the wide receiver position for the Lions. He hopes to make an immediate impact, but knows it won't be easy.

"I know I can catch the ball, but I have to work harder," Tony said.

There is already a lot of depth at the wide receiver position with returning players Bryant Johnson, Sam Crenshaw and Eddie Drummond.

This off-season, to prepare for his freshman year, he is running on the State College High School track team. When Tony joins the team in the summer, he will begin learning the offense and adapting to not touching the ball as often as he did in high school.

"He is a very good athlete. His work ethic will take him a long way," State College High School coach Dave Lindal said.

Lindal coached both Johnson boys. He compares Larry Jr. to someone who will run over a defender, and Tony to someone who will go right past one.

"Both have a lot of speed. They both are tremendous athletes," he said.

When asked about his son, Larry Sr. said Tony still has things to learn, such as learning to read defensive coverages.

Tony will also have to learn how to adapt to the coaching situation.

"Being a coach's son raises the bar pretty high. Going in there will be pressure on them," Larry Sr. said.

He and his wife said they are happy the family will be staying together.

For Larry Sr., having both sons on the team is a new experience. He said handling them both as individuals is the tactic he will use.

On playing for the same team with his brother and under his dad, Johnson said, "I am really excited. This chance comes along once in a lifetime."

Tony's potential is high. In the next few years he has a great chance to be successful.

"Tony's very versatile, and will have some options down the road," his father said.

Tony, who only knew Penn State football coach Joe Paterno in a social sense, will have the opportunity of playing for him for his entire collegiate career since the 73-year-old coach signed a contract extension.

Tony said he was happy Paterno will be his coach.

And the Johnson family said they are looking forward to next season. Coach Johnson can't wait to have his sons together and have the chance to, as he stated it, "see them live and on the field."