Football Southern Conference

Furman's Rodney Johnson Named Academic All-American

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman senior cornerback Rodney Johnson has been
named to the Verizon Academic All-America University Division second team,
it was announced December 2.

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.