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Northside defensive end/tight end Griffin Johnson committed to play football for Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va. in the fall.

The 6’3 210 lb. Johnson was a defensive stalwart for the Panthers at defensive end and linebacker and posted a team-high 11.5 tackles for loss and a pair of quarterback sacks.

“He has great character and his work ethic will stand out to his new coaches,” Northside coach Keith Boyd said. “He started as a tight end with us and I told him we needed him on defensive and his response was whatever it takes to win. He’s a terrific young man and I’m glad he’s getting a chance to continue playing.”

Griffin helped the Panthers to an undefeated Coastal Plains Conference season and the second round of the 1A state playoffs. He was part of three Anchor Bowl victories over rival Southside, including this past fall.
However, to Johnson, the process was the best part.

“I had so much fun practicing and playing games with my best friends,” Johnson said. “It started with summer workouts and went the whole season. The seniors were a close group and did everything together off the field as well. That’s what I’ll remember most about my time here.”

Johnson also plays basketball and baseball and considered Berry College in Georgia before deciding on Randolph-Macon.
“It’s closer to home so my family can see me play and I really liked the campus,” Johnson said. “I spent the night with the team on my visit and really liked it. I got messages from alumni encouraging me to come, which was pretty cool.”

The Yellow Jackets were the DIII Old Dominion Athletic Conference champions last fall and made it to the national semi-finals before taking their first loss to finish 13-1.

“The coaches told me that 70-75 players make the travel squad and that’s my first goal,” Johnson said. “I’ll work hard over the summer and be ready to play wherever they need me.”