Raymand Johnson III is one of the up-and-comers on the defensive side of the ball for the Eagles, starting at defensive end as a sophomore.

Johnson recorded one tackle and recovered a fumble in GS’ 34-13 win over UMass on Saturday, and has been part of the defensive stronghold that has only given up 19 points so far this season. The Eagles face a tough task when the travel to South Carolina to play the #2 ranked Clemson Tigers.

Johnson hails from Sumter, South Carolina, so getting the opportunity to play in his home state is a special moment.

“It’s just an unreal feeling growing up in South Carolina,” Johnson said. “Clemson and South Carolina, THE University of South Carolina is all you talk about, so now, being in my collegiate era I’m going up against them. I think it’s very special feeling to be back home playing.”

Football has always been a part of Johnson’s life, he says, talking about how he’s been playing for as long as he can remember.

“League or organized football,” Johnson said. “It’s probably been since about, I want to say nine, but if you’re not saying organized football, just about since I’ve been able to walk.”

Johnson also went on to add that he played basketball growing up, boasting that he was a versatile player who played multiple positions.

While college athletes don’t have much free time, they still find time to partake in hobbies, and Johnson is no different. The sophomore says music plays a huge part in his free time, adding that he plays the drum and even taught himself to play the piano.

“I actually like playing around with music a little bit,” Johnson said. “All types of music, I’m a big music lover.”

College football is full of traditions nation wide, and GS is proud of their many traditions that can be seen when game day rolls around. Johnson talked about what these traditions mean to him.

“It’s not even so much playing in the game,” Johnson said. “My favorite moments are when we’re taking bus rides, you know the traditions and everything, so the bus ride is probably my favorite part. You can really feel the brotherhood on the bus.”

Once game day rolls around, everyone goes about preparation in their own way, getting hyped up and ready to take the field. Johnson has a unique way that he says helps him get ready.

“I probably have an unorthodox way about going about game days because I’m not tensed up on game days,” Johnson said. “I’m very, you know, loose and happy. I wouldn’t say playful but, you know, I’m loose. About right after we get done with the bus rides, which is the bus ride around campus, and the Eagle Walk and everything is probably when I start tightening up and getting more serious about the game.”

Ryan Kostensky, The George-Anne Sports Reporter, gasports@georgiasouthern.edu