For the second consecutive year, a future Ohio State player was honored for his excellence and distinction on and off the field.
Paris Johnson Jr. was named the All-American Bowl Man of the Year on Friday night, earning an award that honors someone who epitomizes "a high standard of excellence in community service and athletic distinction.”
Johnson, who has put in more than 1,000 hours of community service and wants to work with under-served students, initiated the start of the Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation, a non-profit organization that "exists for the purpose of letting individuals know that their past does not define them."
"I love giving back to kids because I feel like my whole life, people have invested in me as far as helping me with my training, my education, always making sure I had other resources to always compete in the classroom and always compete on the field. I would like to do the same for other people," Johnson said.
His winning of the Man of the Year award came less than 30 minutes after he was named the Anthony Muñoz Lineman of the Year.
Johnson follows last year's Man of the Year award winner, five-star Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson, who beat out future Buckeye teammates Zach Harrison and Harry Miller for the honor.
This year, Johnson beat out future Buckeye teammate Kourt Williams II, a linebacker/safety signee who was one of six finalists for the award.
Johnson says he has spoken with the right people at his new school to ensure he will be able to continue building upon his program.
"Thankfully, I've talked to Ohio State a lot, and their brand development is very successful and they have the resources and connections to guide me in the right direction as far as where I should take my foundation and how I can raise more money," Johnson said. "At Ohio State, I feel like I can get the support for my foundation."
