Football: Newburgh's Deondre Johnson stands tall on run to states
NEWBURGH – The old saying goes “You can’t teach height’’ but there’s still a lot that goes into being a 6-foot-8 football standout, says Deondre Johnson.
“A lot of work comes with it, honestly,’’ said Johnson, a multi-faceted threat for Newburgh Free Academy. “There’s the preparation, work on and off the field and just trying to be myself, honestly.’’
His biggest growth, though, seems to be his leadership qualities. NFA coach Bill Bianco said it’s hard to point to just one thing why his Goldbacks were able to take that next step and challenge for the state Class AA title but the maturation of Johnson is a huge factor.
“Look, I don’t want to single anybody out,’’ Bianco said, “but Deondre is being vocal and positive. Any time your best player is the hardest worker’’ that rubs off on others. “He’s a great player because he’s made everybody else better.’’
Johnson was injured during a preseason scrimmage and missed the first three weeks of the regular season. Missing two injured stars, the Goldbacks - not unexpectedly – lost by one score to both New Rochelle and Corning-Painted Post (Newburgh has since rebounded with 10 consecutive wins). Johnson used his down time to strengthen bonds with his teammates.
“Because of my injury, I got to see what’s going on, besides me,’’ Johnson said. “I got to learn more besides just playing. I became more of a leader.’’
The realization that his high school career was nearing an end triggered Johnson to take charge.
“Now is the time,’’ said Johnson, who has become more vocal than in three previous seasons. “It’s my senior year, crunch time. There are a lot of young guys so I had to step up and get after it as that type of leader.’’
The task is easier when you can lead by example. Johnson makes his biggest impact as a wide receiver, making defenders look helpless by elevating at just the right time for passes that are intentionally thrown high. Johnson has 27 receptions for 629 yards (more than 23 yards per catch) and eight touchdowns.
But Johnson can do more than just catch. He’s taken direct snaps at quarterback – taking one 28 yards for a score against Middletown – and has run the ball 25 times for 161 yards and three scores.
Bianco held out Johnson from playing defense until the Section 9 title game. It was in that contest that Johnson made life miserable for Middletown’s offensive line, merely by his presence. On one play, Johnson broke through and spun quarterback Joseph Royal so hard that the ball popped free and a teammate returned the fumble 60 yards for a score. In the three playoff games since his return to defense, Johnson has amassed 20 tackles and the one sack. His batted pass, fumble recovery and subsequent TD run helped Newburgh snap Carmel’s 26-game win streak, prevailing 26-20 in overtime. Johnson posted two touchdowns – by run and catch – in the state semifinal win over Christian Brothers Academy; he had four receptions for 111 yards.
“He's not a finished product by any means,’’ Bianco said, “but It's been much different this year.’’
It's no wonder Johnson drew a lot of attention from college scouts. It was Rutgers that signed Johnson in May, prompting Scarlet Knights fans to wonder if Johnson was also available for the Scarlet Knights’ basketball team as well.
“The opportunity (to go to Rutgers) is big for me,’’ Johnson said. “I’m the first in my family to go Division One. … I’m going to prepare my best … I’m ready.’’
There’s still one order of business remaining and that’s facing Buffalo Bennett in Sunday’s 3 p.m. Class AA championship at Syracuse University’s JMA Wireless Dome.
“The accomplishment of getting this far is great,’’ Johnson said.
Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHR
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Deondre Johnson stands tall for Newburgh on state title run
