One vote in: Johnson for All-America

The latest chapter in the LeShon legacy: Johnson was one of 24 players named to the 1993 Football News First-Team All-America squad Thursday—making him the initial major-college First-Team All-America selection in the school’s 92-year football history.

Yes, the “Cowboy” found himself in the Football News’ offensive backfield with quarterback Charlie Ward of Florida State, plus fellow runningbacks Marshall Faulk of San Diego State and Errict Rhett of Florida.

“(Are) you serious? That’s great,” Johnson said upon hearing the news. “That’s a great accomplishment for me and our team. I ought to go outside and start screaming. I’m really proud to get such an honor.”

Johnson—a candidate for the Doak Walker National Runningback Award and the Heisman Trophy—set at least 16 school records at NIU the last two seasons.

“Super. That’s tremendous,” said Huskie head coach Charlie Sadler. “That acknowledges LeShon and his abilities on a national level. That’s a great accomplishment for him and the Northern Illinois football program.”

Since being elevated to “University Division” status in football in 1969, NIU has produced 33 All-America types on the major post-season honor units—Associated Press, United Press International, Kodak, Sporting News, and Football News. The previous top Huskie All-America gridiron picks were split end Dave Petzke, who won Third-Team AP honors in 1978 and offensive guard Todd Peat, also a Third-Team AP selection in 1986.