JOURNAL SPORTS
GRAMBLING — He’s not taken his first snap for the Grambling Tigers, but quarterback R.J. Johnson III is already drawing nationwide attention.
A transfer from Southwestern Athletic Conference rival Florida A&M, Johnson was named to the Stats Perform HBCU National Football Player of the Year Watchlist on Wednesday morning.
Johnson transferred after posting 2,597 passing yards, second in the conference, but he was first in passing yards per game (236.1) and completions (215). He also was third in touchdown passes (18).
Grambling used four different quarterbacks last fall while finishing 7-5. Two are back, Hayden Benoit and Ashton Frye. Benoit started six games.
The third-year award honors the outstanding player from the 21 HBCU programs of Division I FCS in the Mid-Eastern, SWAC, CAA, Ohio Valley Conferences.
A national panel involving the HBCU/FCS coverage will select the winner following the regular season, with the recipient being announced in December.
In addition to the HBCU National Player of the Award, Stats Perform will present the Walter Payton Award (FCS Offensive Player of the Year), Buck Buchanan Award (FCS Defensive Player of the Year), Jerry Rice Award (FCS Freshman Player of the Year), Eddie Robinson Award (FCS Coach of the Year) and Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award this season.
Grambling opens the season on Aug. 29 when it hosts Clark-Atlanta at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium.