Johnson – NIU groundbreaker

Believe it or not – two weeks after his last collegiate carry – Northern Illinois University tailback LeShon Johnson keeps on making football history.

At last count, the “Cowboy” appears on four – yes four – First-Team All-America squads. The latest two were the Football Writers Association of America and the Walter Camp Foundation First-Team All-America units announced during the extended Thanksgiving holiday.

By making four “major” All-America units, Johnson becomes the Huskies’ initial consensus First-Team All-America and the state’s first since University of Illinois defensive lineman Moe Gardner in 1990.

Last season, the seven nationally recognized All-America honor units were sponsored by the Associated Press, Kodak (American Football Coaches Association), Football News, Football Writers Association of America, The Sporting News, United Press International and the Walter Camp Foundation.

Johnson – named one of eight finalists for the prestigious Doak Walker National Runningback Award last Wednesday – could be even busier this coming week.

On Monday, the Football News will reveal the recipient of its national Offensive Player of the Year Award. Tuesday, the Big West Conference is scheduled to announce its Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year awards, plus its various all-league teams. The same day, Johnson is expected to reveal his choice of post-season all-star competition – the Senior Bowl – in a national press conference at Mobile, AL.