If this past week is any indication, Del Norte LB/OL Bobby Johnson has put in the work to help his Del Norte Knights have a strong 2009 season. At the teams annual weightlifting competition the 5-10 205 pound two way player power cleaned a very impressive 300 pounds. Johnson and crew have put in the work this summer and looked poised to improve on last year’s 6-5 record.
According to Johnson the team has been hitting practices at five AM throughout the summer. Along with the early practice and lifting sessions the Knights participated in multiple 7 on 7 tournaments, finishing up the summer tournaments at Rio Rancho in the Coach’s Association tournament. Much of Del Norte’s offseason has focused on speed and agility training as they hit the sprints and matt drills. According to Johnson, fellow linebackers Willie Crowder as well as teammates Deion Medina and Miles Kellywood are players to watch this upcoming season.
Individually, Johnson, who gained All-League honors as a center and linebacker, has focused on technique and leadership to go with the speed and strength training. Along with his work in football, Johnson is also very strong in the classroom as his grades gained him Academic All-State honors. Johnson’s work may be paying off as he reports interest from Princeton, Army and New Mexico.