Stuart “Blane” Johnson '19 Recruiting Profile

As a kicker, there are very few chances to show off your skill in a game. So when these chances do come, you are expected to execute.

In my junior year I had a game that was tied 34-34 going into overtime. My team won the first possession and scored after 3 plays. Then it came down to me, the score being 34-40 now as I line up to kick the extra point. It feels like any normal kick, so the ball is snapped, the holder gets the ball, and I follow through. I miss the extra point just a little off to the right, leaving the score 34-40. The opposing team then gets the ball, scores, and makes the extra point to end the game 41-40. My heart instantly drops.  I wanted to win so bad that I put my head down and didn't say anything to anyone for the rest of the night.

I show up to practice that next Monday still feeling as if I had let the whole team and myself down. I continued to practice hard throughout the rest of the week while putting my feelings aside. At the end of the week comes another home game. Late in the fourth quarter we are down 50-56, and we have the ball on our own half. Then the next thing I know we make a big throw down field scoring another touchdown. Once again it comes down to me, with 50 seconds left in the fourth quarter and the score is tied 56-56. I line up, knowing that with this one kick maybe I could redeem myself and show my team that I won't let them down again. The ball is snapped, the holder catches it, and I make the extra point, making the game 57-56. 

These two games and football in general have taught me some very important life lessons. It has taught me how to overcome adversity, when I wasn't sure in my mind I could. It has taught me that hard work does pay off. It has also shown me that in order to succeed, you must work as a team and rely on each other.

I wasn't asked before I got on that field if I could make the winning kick, I was only given the opportunity to prove that I could. If I am given the opportunity to play football for your college, I can promise you that I will always bring my best. I will continue to be a team player and work hard on and off the field.