Stepping Up

Sophomore Marlon Johnson embracing leadership role this season

By Brenden Martin
TCC Sports Information 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (October 31, 2013)- Sophomore forward Marlon Johnson is looking forward to being a leader for the Tallahassee Community College Eagles this season.

Johnson looks to build on last year’s stellar performance as a freshman. Named second-team all-Panhandle Conference, Johnson averaged 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 28 games. He says that he can maintain that high level of play this season as well.

“Coach wanted me to work hard over the summer, I did and I got better,” Johnson said on Wednesday.

Based on his success and the experience he had gained last season, Johnson says that he sees himself as a leader for the team. He says that he believes in himself and his teammates. This is another indication of the strong bond that the Eagles have.

Coach Barnes believes that Johnson can be the top-ranked power forward in the country, and he thinks that the Eagles can reach the National Tournament this season. When this was mentioned to Johnson he said “Based off of last year, that’s what we expect to happen…we just have to go out and prove ourselves.”

According to Next Up Recruits Johnson is a high-level athlete who has all the makings to be a difference-maker in games. He can change games on both ends of the floor. He possesses an impressive combination of size, athleticism, skill and energy. He is a very versatile player who can play in the low-post as well as knock down shots from the perimeter. He is dominant on the glass and can push the ball in transition. Johnson will be a matchup nightmare for any opponent this season.