Senior running back Simuel ¨DJ¨ John’s final football season recently came to an end and while he has been fielding offers from college coaches, he has yet to decide where he wants to continue his career. Unable to play his junior year due to an ineligible status, he dedicated his time to the classroom by becoming studious with a new focus on academics.  Johns is currently waiting until the end of the semester in January when his finalized grades can be submitted with his transcripts.

“I had to commit to my grades before anything else this semester, but I was still able to become a valuable team member and leave it all on the field and make valuable contributions to our team’s success,” Johns said.

Johns effort did not go unnoticed, especially at the fall sports banquet that was held before winter break. He was awarded not only the Offensive Impact Award, but also the Jill Schieble Award.  He was chosen for the awards by his coaches. 

The Offensive Impact Award is awarded to a player who has a positive impact both on and off the field. shows selflessness and his ability to put his brothers and teammates success before his own. 

According to assistant Coach Justin Bank, Johns is an elite running back with overwhelming speed and strength. D.J. showed integrity and strong motivation off the field. With help from his team he achieved his goals and his hard work should be honored.  

The Jill Schieble award honors the late Jill Schieble who unfortunately passed away from cancer over a decade ago. Her husband has been an assistant coach for Falcon football since the early 2000s and her three daughters were all alumni student-athletes. The award was created in her memory as the Schieble family is incredibly respected and has positively impacted the school and surrounding community.  Ultimately, the award was created to recognize a Falcon football player who best exemplifies the determination and strength to fight and persevere.  In this case, Johns was that player.

¨DJ was someone who the team relied heavily on throughout the entire season. He brought an amazing attitude on a daily basis and was determined not to be outworked by anyone. He was instrumental in our team ´ s success this year and he is someone who epitomizes Cox Football. I am incredibly proud to have worked with DJ over the past two years and I can not wait to see what the future holds for such a talented and special young man,¨ Bank said.