Wanting to get into the mind of the opponent has and always will be one of the first steps in defeating said opponent. If Kosciusko Whippet offensive guard/defensive tackle and this week’s Super 7 selection Ben (B. J.) Johnson has his way, he will probably make a nice living after his playing days are done as a psychologist after graduating from Ole Miss. 
The 6-0, 208-pound Johnson is also known for his versatility on the football field where he has played most offensive and defensive line positions as well.
“Being selected for this honor makes me feel like I am the face of the team and I want to represent this team in a way that the school wants to be represented,” said Johnson. “I need to keep working hard and keep doing what I need to do to be a good representative of this team.”
Playing many positions throughout his high school career has made Johnson a very smart player that the team can lean on when certain needs along the offensive or defensive lines need to be met.
“B. J. is a tremendously physical guy who is on the defensive line rotation,” said Kosciusko head coach Chad Peterson. “He can move out to defensive end when we need him there because he’s got good quickness and he moves very well.”
Johnson is the athlete that stays for extra work after most everyone else is done for the day.
“I’ve been working really hard since last season ended so I can make sure I can be at my best this season to help my team,” added Johnson. “I’ve been staying after weight-lifting is over to try and get even stronger and do those little things that will just make me better because I just want our team to be better than we were last year. I just want my team to finally get past the third round of the playoffs.”
Coach Peterson speaks highly of Johnson due to the fact that he is a very reliable student-athlete who can be counted on to always be around when you need him.
“He’s an absolute joy to be around,” said Peterson. “He is always on time and does all the things that he needs to do during practice.
He just makes all the players around him better and he is not one you ever have to worry about doing something wrong on or off the field. He has a respect for this team and a respect for this school and we are just glad to have him.”
Johnson understands what is involved with being looked at as one of the leaders for his team.
“Being a leader to me is helping the team by encouraging the them and making sure they are doing what they need to be doing on and off the field,” said Johnson. “We just need to represent ourselves well both on and off the field everywhere we go because we are Kosciusko Whippets in all that we do.”
While talking to Johnson, one would immediately gather that he is a well-spoken, thoughtful young man who puts the needs of others before his own. This assumption would be correct due to the fact that many things he does in his personal time. He has served on the Mayor’s Youth Council and enjoys helping others in need in the community.
“I just like to make sure others are doing good before I am doing good,” he said.
Johnson is a fun-loving guy, but when it comes to Kosciusko Whippet Football, he is all business.
“I just want my opponents to remember me as a player that outworked them and constantly stayed after them the whole game,” he concluded. “I’m never going to quit because I want to be the best I can be every play for my teammates.”
Editor’s Note: This is the second in a 7-part series highlighting the top football players in the area who encompass leadership, athleticism and game-changing abilities for their teams in 2016. The players are taken from rosters of high school teams in The Star-Herald coverage area and are nominated by their coaches. Sports editor Stan Beall makes the selections. The players will be revealed one at a time over a 7-week period and are in no particular order. Previously selected was McAdams’ Mark Stewart.
