Aug 23, 2008

Knight stalker

Johnson aims to conquer PAL

By John Reid / Daily News Staff Writer

King's Academy senior defensive end Travis Johnson has been a pain in the neck for Knights head coach Ron Kellner during practice.

"We can't run our offense against him," Kellner said. "He makes it real difficult."

Johnson, a first team all-Daily News selection at defensive end as a junior, had 21 sacks in 11 games a year ago. After impressing onlookers at a Nike Camp this summer in Eugene, Johnson should be even better this season.

"I've gotten a little bit stronger," the 6-foot-2 1/2, 225-pound Johnson said. "I've been working out more and gotten a lot faster. I've been working hard on and off the field."

"Travis is like the energizer bunny who doesn't stop," Kellner said. "He's a hitter. He's strong, benches 325. He's hard-working, aggressive. The thing about him is that he's going to be more of an impact in the fourth quarter than the first because he gets after it."

At the Nike Camp, Johnson stole the show, earning the camp's Most Valuable Lineman. He also got MVP for the whole camp for having a 98.34 score on the SPARQ test - which measures an individual's physical strengths and weaknesses. Johnson's 40-yard dash time hovers around 4.9 seconds.

"I wasn't expecting it," Johnson said. "I had gone to a camp the week before and I did all right. I just did a lot better at the camp in Eugene than I thought I was going to do."

Needless to say, Johnson caught the eye of some college recruiters with his effort in Eugene, Ore., but none have come forward with any concrete offers, yet. With his frame, Johnson would have to play linebacker in college.

"I've gotten a couple of calls and e-mails because of it," Johnson said. "I'm hoping to play at a Div. I-AA. If I can get a Div. I school, that would be awesome. I'm waiting to see what happens."

King's Academy moves from the Bay Football League to the Peninsula Athletic League Ocean "A" Division this season. Johnson is ready for the challenge and is optimistic about the Knights' chances.

"We're improved in this secondary this year," Johnson said. "We have faster people who can tackle a lot better. Our all-around speed is a lot better. We're stronger and bigger than last year, so we should be able to keep up with the bigger teams. I've always wanted to move up (a league). My senior year, I finally get to."

Johnson should get some time at fullback this season, which could be interesting.

"Last year, we kept him on the kickoff team because he was dominant," Kellner said. "We have to rest him somewhere, so he won't be on it this year. We'll play him a little on offense this season."

"It will be fun," said Johnson about playing some fullback. "I've never played fullback before. We'll see what I can do running the ball, maybe score a touchdown or two."

In his free time, Johnson enjoys lake and river fishing. This fall, Johnson hopes to do some Ocean fishing, perhaps hooking an opposing quarterback trying to drop back for a pass. There is nothing fishy about this Knight stalker, a legitimate sack-artist.



E-mail John Reid at jreid@dailynewsgroup.com.