Johnson Makes Final Push For Payton Award
11/20/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – With one game remaining in the regular season, senior Gus Johnson gets set to make his final push for the 2014 Walter Payton Award.
Against Abilene Christian Saturday, Johnson rushed for 158 yards on 27 carries and two touchdowns, giving the Gilmer native his ninth 100-yard rushing game of the season and the 20th of his SFA career.
Heading into Saturday’s game against Northwestern State, Johnson looks to set the Stephen F. Austin program record for single season rushing yards, sitting at 1,440 yards in 2014 and matching Larry Centers’ total in 1989. Johnson reached the total in four fewer games and 104 fewer attempts, hitting the 1,440 yard mark in 11 games on 211 carries while Centers needed 15 games and 315 attempts.
Johnson continues to rank among the national leaders in a handful of categories as his 21 touchdowns on the year is tied for first while he ranks third nationally in both rushing yards per game (6.82) and scoring (11.5 ppg). He also sits eighth in total yards and ninth in rushing yards per game (130.9).
For his career, Johnson has now racked up 3,664 yards, sitting second all-time in program history and needing just 108 yards to surpass Leonard Harris (1992-95) as the Lumberjacks’ all-time rushing king. He notched his 49th career rushing touchdown and 50th overall score against the Wildcats, recording his 300th career point and becoming just the third player in program history to reach the 300-point plateau.
A two-time Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week selection in 2014, Johnson leads the conference in every rushing category this season while also making a name for himself in the conference record book. His 3,664 career rushing yards ranks seventh all-time while his 49 rushing touchdowns is fourth and his 50 total touchdowns rank fifth all-time in SLC history.
A two-time All-SLC performer and preseason first team all-conference selection, Johnson last week received an invite to participate in the 2015 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in Carson, Calif. One of the premiere postseason season all-star games, the week-long event includes practices, personal development and networking opportunities with all 32 NFL teams, leading up to the game on Jan. 17 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Johnson was named to the 2014 Walter Payton Award Watch List on September 30th, joining Southeastern Louisiana quarterback Bryan Bennett as the only Southland Conference players on the list. Named after the legendary NFL Hall of Fame running back, the Walter Payton Award is given each year to the top collegiate football player at the FCS level. Ballots will be sent to a national panel of over 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries following the regular season. The top three vote-getters will be invited to the presentation of the award.
Johnson and the rest of the Lumberjacks prepare for the 2014 season finale when SFA takes on border rival Northwestern State in the annual Battle for Chief Caddo. Kickoff against the Demons is set for 3 p.m. at Homer Bryce Stadium as Johnson will be one of the 17 Lumberjack seniors honored prior to the game.
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