December 2, 2002

FURMAN'S RODNEY JOHNSON NAMED
VERIZON ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman senior cornerback Rodney Johnson has been named to the Verizon Academic All-America University Division second team, it was announced today.

A three-year starter, Johnson, who carries a 3.54 grade point average in health and exercise science, was the only Southern Conference and state player named to either squad, which is comprised of student-athletes from NCAA Division I and I-AA schools selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

"Rodney Johnson's level of achievement on the football field and in the classroom should be a model for young football players everywhere," said Furman head coach Bobby Lamb. "He is a leader, a scholar, and an accomplished athlete who has diligently applied himself in all areas of life, and it shows. He is an outstanding person, and we couldn't be more proud of him and happy for our football program."

The Marion, N.C., product served as a team captain and registered 34 tackles, six interceptions, and nine pass deflections this year in helping Furman to an 8-4 record and fourth consecutive NCAA I-AA playoff appearance. His six pickoffs ranked second in conference. As a starter he helped Furman claim two league championships (1999 & '01) and finish as NCAA I-AA runnerup in 2001 with a 12-3 record, thereby helping the Paladins forge a 38-13 record over the last four seasons.

Johnson completed his career with 137 tackles and 10 interceptions, good for 11th place on Furman's all-time interceptions chart.

He is the 14th Furman football player to garner Academic All-America honors. Only one other conference school (VMI) has produced more than seven.