Antonio Johnson Inks

Antonio Johnson is a stand-out athlete at Hale County High School, in Moundville (Ala.), as his senior season stats were impressive. Johnson inked with an out-of-state school on National Signing Day.

. Johnson played four games at quarterback this season passing for 1,007 yards and 10 touchdowns. He led Hale County with a total of 40 touchdowns on the season.

Johnson rushed for 1,763 yards and 26 touchdowns to go along with 13 receptions for 142 yards and four touchdowns. The 5-10, 160-pound athlete had several colleges to choose from on National Signing Day, and he tells ScoutSouth.com about his decision.

"I signed with Carson-Newman in Tennessee;" Antonio Johnson said. "It was the right place for me."

"I have a very good relationship with coach Carl Torbush, and he recruited me well. He showed me a lot of love, and so did the other coaches at Carson-Newman. That's why I chose them over Auburn, Mississippi State and UNA."

"They (Carson-Newman) are a Division II team, but they have won six national championships, and they send guys to the NFL. They have a couple going into the league this year."

"Coach Ken Sparks has been there 28 years and they average 10 wins per season since his arrival. He's a great guy, and he's well thought of."

Early playing time also helped with Johnson's decision.

"I will be one of two quarterbacks up there," he said. "The other quarterback is a sophomore, and the back-up from last year is going to move to wide receiver, or running back."

"They run the veer-option attack at Newman, and they use multiple quarterbacks and running backs. I believe I can go in and play this fall."

Johnson signed his LOI this morning and plans a return visit to Carson-Newman this spring.

"I took my official visit January 18th, and it was fun. I saw all the facilities, which are second to none, and I also got to see the academic side of things while I was there. They have strong academics, and I like that," Johnson concluded.

ScoutSouth.com