Murray State University Athletics
Photo by: Kevin Weaks
Johnson Named One of Top 10 FCS Special Teams Players
5/26/2011 4:24:53 PM | Football
Top 10 FCS Special Teams Players
Coming off an All-American season in which he set the school record by returning two punts for touchdowns, senior-to-be Dontrell Johnson was selected as one of the top 10 special teams players in the FCS, according to The Sports Network. Johnson is the third Racer to be honored at his position, joining quarterback Casey Brockman and running back Mike Harris.
Johnson (Moultrie, Ga.) burst onto the scene last season to lead the FCS in punt returns, averaging a modest 22.8 yards per return. For his efforts, Johnson received the FCS Elite Punt Returner Award, as well as Second-Team All-America honors from The Sports Network and Phil Steele Magazine.
After having never returned a punt until the third game of the season, Johnson proved to be the spark plug that turned around the Racers season, as he took a punt 91 yards for a touchdown to help propel the Racers to a 52-16 victory over UT Martin. Just one week later, Johnson took a fourth-quarter punt 70 yards for a touchdown as MSU nearly pulled out an improbable comeback on the road against then-No. 4 Jacksonville State.
The Racers open the 2011 season Sept. 1 as they travel to face Louisville in a nationally-televised contest. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. on ESPNU.
The Sports Network's Assessment of Johnson:
Dontrell Johnson, Murray State, Sr., 5-11, 180 - A defensive back, Johnson usually makes tackles. On punt returns, he sidesteps them. Johnson averaged more on punt returns than kickoff returns last season - a scintillating 22.8 yards to lead the FCS. He returned a punt for a touchdown in back-to-back games against UT Martin and Jacksonville State. He has terrific instincts and is fearless against the approaching coverage. He was named to The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS All-America second team.
Coming off an All-American season in which he set the school record by returning two punts for touchdowns, senior-to-be Dontrell Johnson was selected as one of the top 10 special teams players in the FCS, according to The Sports Network. Johnson is the third Racer to be honored at his position, joining quarterback Casey Brockman and running back Mike Harris.
Johnson (Moultrie, Ga.) burst onto the scene last season to lead the FCS in punt returns, averaging a modest 22.8 yards per return. For his efforts, Johnson received the FCS Elite Punt Returner Award, as well as Second-Team All-America honors from The Sports Network and Phil Steele Magazine.
After having never returned a punt until the third game of the season, Johnson proved to be the spark plug that turned around the Racers season, as he took a punt 91 yards for a touchdown to help propel the Racers to a 52-16 victory over UT Martin. Just one week later, Johnson took a fourth-quarter punt 70 yards for a touchdown as MSU nearly pulled out an improbable comeback on the road against then-No. 4 Jacksonville State.
The Racers open the 2011 season Sept. 1 as they travel to face Louisville in a nationally-televised contest. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. on ESPNU.
The Sports Network's Assessment of Johnson:
Dontrell Johnson, Murray State, Sr., 5-11, 180 - A defensive back, Johnson usually makes tackles. On punt returns, he sidesteps them. Johnson averaged more on punt returns than kickoff returns last season - a scintillating 22.8 yards to lead the FCS. He returned a punt for a touchdown in back-to-back games against UT Martin and Jacksonville State. He has terrific instincts and is fearless against the approaching coverage. He was named to The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS All-America second team.
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