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Vanderbilt commitment Camron Johnson is No. 2 on Dandy Dozen

Michael Murphy
The Tennessean
Brentwood Academy's Camron Johnson is No. 2 on this year's Tennessean Dandy Dozen.

Brentwood Academy’s Camron Johnson has committed to Vanderbilt to play wide receiver.

As his first three years with the Eagles have shown, though, Johnson, a three-sport standout and finalist for the 2017 Tennessean Male Athlete of the Year award, is much more than just a pass catcher. 

“He’s an offensive player, but he has to play defense for us as well,” Brentwood Academy coach Cody White said. “He does that because he knows it’s best for the team. He’s really unselfish, and that’s really what makes us tick — those guys that are talented but are willing to sacrifice for the betterment of everybody else.”

Looking back, it’s fair to say that it has been a mutually-beneficial arrangement.

► MORE:2017 Tennessean Dandy Dozen

In two seasons playing in the secondary — both of which ended with the Eagles hoisting a Division II-AA championship trophy — Johnson has been a terror to opposing quarterbacks, picking off eight passes while batting down close to 20 more.  

“I think it’s just from playing basketball my whole life and being able to read people’s eyes and what they’re going to do,” said Johnson, who is No. 2 on this year’s Dandy Dozen, a collection of the top 12 senior college football prospects in the Nashville area. “And playing receiver, too, I sort of know what they’re trying to do and where they’re going with their routes.”

He’s been awfully good once he gets his hands on the ball, too, returning three interceptions and pair of fumble recoveries for touchdowns.

“He’s probably the best kid I’ve ever seen with the ball in the air, turning his offensive skill set into a defensive one,” said White — particularly high praise considering he coached Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey during his first season at Brentwood Academy (2012). “I don’t think it’s anything he wants to do, but he could be a free safety anywhere in the SEC.”

It’s a nice fallback option, but not one Johnson plans on using.

A three-year starter and two-time Tennessean All-Midstate selection, the 6-foot-1, 183-pound Johnson has made 127 career receptions for 2,423 yards and 24 touchdowns, finishing as the Eagles’ leading receiver in each of the last three seasons.

 “It’s just the fact that as a receiver you have the chance to make a big-time play every time you throw the ball,” added Johnson, an eight-time TSSAA state champion in football, basketball and track. “You get to be a part of the offense on every snap, and on any play you can really just change the game.”

Reach Michael Murphy at mfmurphy@tennessean.com, 615-259-8026 and on Twitter @Murph_TNsports.

Johnson

Camron Johnson

Brentwood Academy, Wide receiver

Height: 6-1 Weight: 182
247Sports composite: 4 stars
College: Committed to Vanderbilt
Key stat: Two-way standout hauled in 46 receptions for 789 yards and six touchdowns for the Division II-AA champion Eagles. Has made 127 catches for 2,423 yards and 24 touchdowns in three seasons at Brentwood Academy.