ESPN 300 center Baveon Johnson received his Under Armour All-America game jersey presented by American Family Insurance on Tuesday in front of teammates, coaches, faculty and friends at Lake Gibson High School in Lakeland, Florida.
The No. 1-ranked center and the 38th-ranked player overall in the ESPN 300 said being selected to this game was a dream come true.
“It’s a blessing,” Johnson said. “I know everybody can’t get invited to play in the Under Armour All-America game but I feel very very special to be selected.”
Johnson said he grew up watching the prestigious All-American game and said there were a few players that stood out to him.
"I remember watching Leonard Fournette in the game a couple of years ago, he was an animal. I have a coach, Ricky Barnum, who played at Michigan and played in the game when he was in high school too."
Johnson has been committed to Florida State since March and despite other teams continuing to pursue him, the 6-foot-3, 340-pound interior offensive lineman remains solid in his pledge to the Seminoles.
“My commitment is very, very strong, very, very strong,” Johnson said. “I just love going up there. It feels like family, every time I go up there it feels like my second home.”
Johnson is not planning to take any other visits at this time.
Q&A with Baveon Johnson
What is your best football memory?
Johnson: Last Friday, I got the ball for the first time. They let me run the ball. I only got one yard though.
If you could start a team with any other player in this class who would it be and why?
Johnson: I’d say Malik Henry. He is just a phenomenal player. He is very, very good and every team needs a quarterback.
If you could play 1-on-1 with any professional athlete in their sport, who would it be and why?
Johnson: It would be Vince Wilfork, because he’s one of the best defensive tackles in the game. So if I could beat him, if I could size up with him, then I know I’m going to have success in my future.
What number do you wear in high school and is there a reason why you wear that number?
Johnson: I wear No. 54. When I was growing up and watching college football, I started to compare myself to Tre Jackson for Florida State and that’s what number he wore.