Charlottesville David Johnson’s already had a great senior year, winning the Group AA indoor track and field state title in the triple jump. His work so far has him posting the second best triple jump in the United States. That’ all in addition to the outstanding spring he had in 2011 where he was a state champion in the same event. Before his outdoor track season begins, he’s headed in with the kind of news every senior wants — his next home. The Black Knights track phenom was offered a full ride to Radford University, and after weighing his options, Johnson is signing up to compete as a Highlander.
“I came into the season with high expectations,” Johnson said. “It started out with jumps of 46, then 48 and at St. Christopher’s I finally got that 49 feet, 10-and-three-quarters of an inch jump. That was a new level.”
Johnson drew interest from Illinois, Tennessee, Brown and Penn in addition to Raford. After visiting Radford and then learning more about the school, Johnson felt like it was the best fit both on the track and academically. It also keeps him in state and relatively close to home.
“This started back in August and was kind of slow really,” Johnson said. “I talked a lot with my parents and we didn’t want to make a decision too early. We wanted to know by February or March, so we’re right on schedule. For me, Radford felt like home. It’s a family orientated team and it just fit my personality. Raford also looked like the right fit academically with their law program. That’s what I’d like to major in. And their close to home and a Division 1 program, so it’s all I could want.”
With the spring season just about to begin, Johnson doesn’t have to worry about the college recruiting process and can focus on defending his reputation as the state’s top triple jumper and one of the finest in the country.
