It's official: Richlands' Johnson inks with Marshall

For college football junkies, national signing day is the most important measuring stick of the year.

For Richlands senior Devon Johnson, it was the realization of a grand vision shared by his late father.

Before a large crowd of family, teachers and friends Wednesday morning, Johnson followed through on his verbal commitment and signed with Marshall University.

An emotional Johnson admitted the ceremony was bittersweet.

“It was my dad’s dream to see me play NCAA Division I football,” Johnson said. “He wanted that more than anybody in the world. I just wish he could have been here today.”

Albert Johnson, 55, died on July 10, 2010. A native of Welch, W.Va., Albert graduated from the West Virginia Police Academy and later served as chief of the police department in War, W.Va.

The elder Johnson created shockwaves in southern West Virginia and Southwest Virginia prep football circles when he enrolled Devon and his brothers at Richlands three year ago. The Johnsons formerly played at now defunct Big Creek High School.

“Dad brought over us over to get more exposure and learn the mental side of the game,” Johnson said. “There were some people that didn’t like it, but everyone at Richlands accepted me. And it was just an honor to play in this program.”

Thanks to the steady work of Richlands head coach Greg Mance and his assistants, Johnson transformed from a tentative sophomore into a sculpted 6-foot-3, 230-pound man-child who dominated opponents.

Johnson rushed for a school-record 4,340 yards and scored 63 touchdowns. But he was even more dominant at linebacker, where he was named as the Bristol Herald Courier Defensive Player of the Year as a senior.

“It’s been a blessing to coach Devon,” Mance said. “I knew he was something special from the first time I saw him, and it’s been great to watch him develop as an athlete and person.”

According to Mance, the defensive coaches at Marshall feel that Johnson has speed, strength and instincts to compete at the National Football League.

“I have no doubt that we will see Devon play on Sundays,” Mance said. “It’s been like watching Thomas Jones and Ahmad Bradshaw because we knew that we were watching a once-in-a-lifetime athlete.”

Other Richlands teachers and coaches marveled at the progress Johnson made in the hallways and classrooms. English teacher Jeff Tarter said his jaw dropped when he first saw Johnson walk into the RHS training complex.

“I just said ‘Holy cow, what in the world is this?’ ” Tarter said. “We all become enamored by Devon as an athlete but he’s grown tremendously as a young man. He’s gone through a lot of things in life, and he’s come through them.”

First-year Richlands basketball coach Jody Fuller has seen a daily example of Johnson’s versatility and unselfish nature.

Through 16 games, Johnson is averaging 22 points and 16 rebounds. That includes an epic performance against Southwest District rival Abingdon, where Johnson supplied 40 points, 26 rebounds, five blocks, four assists and a thunderous dunk to start the game.

“I’m truly lucky to have Devon be a part of what we’re doing,” Fuller said. “He’s a great athlete and a great person.”

Richlands football assistant Terry Wess is regarded as one of the most rugged athletes to ever play for the Blue Tornado and is one only of two athletes in school history to have his football jersey retired.

Wess took a special interest in Johnson, even referring to him as “SpongeBob” in an effort to instill toughness.

“I refer to Devon as Mr. Johnson now,” Wess said.

Johnson was recruited by a range of schools across the country, including Virginia and Wake Forest. He favored Marshall because of the personal touch of the coaching staff led by charismatic head coach and recruiting guru Doc Holliday.

“A lot of schools said they would offer me, but I wanted to stay with Marshall,” Johnson said. “I just love the people and the area. They take a personal interest in you.”

Johnson is just the third Richlands football play to sign an NCAA Division I scholarship. He joins Austin Fuller and Mike Compton, who played 12 years in the NFL.

“I’m sure my dad would be proud right now,” Johnson said. “He’s the reason I drove myself so hard in school and on the football field.”

For months, it appeared that massive Richlands offensive lineman Josh Hess would also sign at the Division I level with Florida International University in Miami.

But Hess recently changed his plans, due in part to the persistent rumors linking FIU head coach Mario Cristobal with the vacant head coaching position at Rutgers.

“I really wanted to play for [Cristobal] but I didn’t know if he would stay or go,” Hess said. “And being 14 hours away from home was a factor. It would be kind of difficult not playing in front of anybody I know.”

Hess said Wednesday that he had a scholarship offer from Richmond in his pocket. New Richmond coach Danny Rocco formerly recruited Hess at Liberty University.

Richmond is a power in the Football Championship Subdivision.

“I went on a visit to Richmond last weekend and they offered me,” Hess said. “If that’s what I decide, I just have to sign the papers and fax them to Richmond. “

Hess said he his other options include gray-shirting at either Western Michigan or Toledo. He could also hone his skills for a year either Hargrave or Fork Union Union military academies.

The process of gray-shirting involves sitting out the fall season and then enrolling in January.

agregory@bristolnews.com | Twitter: @Greg_BHCSports | (276) 645-2544.