Last Chance U: Top 5 stars from EMCC in Season 2
By Phil Poling
De’Andre Johnson, Quarterback | Florida Atlantic University
Florida native De’Andre Johnson dominated high school football before committing to Florida State. He garnered interest from all the top programs in the country, showcasing his talents in the Under Armour All-American game. But as the story goes, he ended up at EMCC in 2015 and was forced to sit out an entire year.
After getting the keys from coach Stephens in 2016, Johnson put up video game-like numbers as the signal-caller. He accounted for 2,646 yards and 26 touchdowns through the air, but also compiled 834 yards and five touchdowns on the ground – the true definition of dual-threat.
Johnson is also a vocal leader, a trait some desire in a quarterback. He’s often told by coach, “Get your team,” and picking teammate’s spirits up seemed to come natural to him. In one episode, after the center was having issues getting control of the snap, Johnson let him know he was sharp in the mental aspect of the game, calling out shifts and blitzes.
Teams weren’t swarming to EMCC to sign Johnson after his off-field issues at Florida State, but Florida Atlantic doesn’t seem to be worried. Lane Kiffin is the new head coach down there, with EMCC QB coach Clint Trickett following his latest project.