FCS Senior Bowl appearance will cap strong senior year for Terry Johnson

FAMU senior cornerback Devonte “Terry” Johnson had a stellar career for the Rattlers, starting for four seasons on the field. Off the field, he was even more exceptional as he graduated on Friday, in just three-and-one-half years. The former Rickard High School Raider was a product of the Rudy Hubbard era as the Raiders’ head football coach.

Johnson led the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in interceptions during his final season with five total, returning them for 79 yards. On the field, he has been a big playmaker, including his signature 63-yard punt return for a touchdown against Savannah State in 2013. In 2014, Johnson took on the task of guarding the opponents’ top receiver in each game.

For his successful career, Johnson was extended an invitation to play in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Senior Bowl this weekend in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Since Johnson is a senior with exhausted eligibility, FAMU Athletics was permitted to cover his entry fee. That still left a void in funding for the lengthy trip. The FAMU National Rattler “F” Club assisted in filling the gap, with an award of $750 to cover Johnson’s expenses for the four-day trip.

Curtis “Koot” Taylor, president of the National Rattler “F” Club and Interim Athletic Director Nelson Townsend, met with Johnson to deliver his check and offer encouragement. Townsend was impressed with Johnson and remembered watching him play at Rickards. He was also impressed with the quick graduation.

“I went to summer school every summer I was here,” Johnson said. 

That was made possible by a collaborative effort from the National Rattler “F” Club, the Rattler Boosters, the Quarterback 220 Club and FAMU Athletics.  Since former FAMU Head Coach Joe Taylor made the push for summer school scholarships, athletes from all sports are afforded the opportunity to continue studies during the summer semesters.

Taylor expressed the willingness for the National Rattler “F” Club to continue to support FAMU Athletics and its athletes. 

“We will continue to do whatever we can to support the initiatives of FAMU Athletics.  Seeing Terry graduate in three-and-a-half years is solid evidence that the summer scholarship program works.  We have a lofty contribution goal for this year and with stories like this, we know it’s the right thing to do,” he concluded.

Johnson will depart on Thursday morning and check-in at the facility.  They will work out for scouts and practice on Friday and play the contest at 5 p.m. on Saturday. 

Late this week, FAMU linebacker Shaun Ward, another senior, was added to the roster of the FCS Senior Bowl and will play in the game this weekend as well.