MVP performance
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AUBURN | Kerryon Johnson touched the ball 10 times during Thursday's Class 3A state championship game, scoring six touchdowns and piling up 275 all-purpose yards.
In his final high school game, the Auburn commit led Madison Academy to a 70-34 win over Dale County.
"He's an outstanding playmaker," Madison Academy coach Eric Cohu said. "Kerryon knows how to take over a game. He's electrifying. You saw that today. He knows when we need a big play and he rises to the occasion.
"I've coached a lot of guys that are D-I, SEC and NFL guys and he's as good as any of those guys. He has a bright future ahead of him."
It was quite a day for Johnson, who won his third-straight state championship, was named state finals MVP for a second time and was named the Gatorade state player of the year.
"I've grown up with these guys for years and years and we've always dreamed of being that team to win," Johnson said. "Just to know that this is the last one, the third one, it's a tremendous feeling. I wouldn't want to share it with anybody else."
Johnson rushed for 178 yards and four touchdowns on eight carries, caught a 66-yard touchdown pass and returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown. He added five tackles, one tackle-for-loss, one sack and a forced fumble on defense.
"Half the times I wasn't even touched," Johnson said. "When we're blocking like that, it makes my job very easy."
Johnson did it all at his future home field, Jordan-Hare Stadium.
"This is about as sweet as it can be," Johnson said. "For me, especially, being able to play here the next four years is huge."
Johnson has some busy weeks ahead of him. He'll play in the Alabama-Mississippi all-star game Saturday, Dec. 13, the Under Armour All-American game Jan.2 and is scheduled to officially visit Auburn Jan. 16.
He may also officially visit Alabama and Florida State.
"I'm hearing from Bama pretty consistently. I haven't heard from Florida State that much," he said.
Johnson, however, feels very good about his commitment to Auburn, which he made back in April.
"I'd say it's really strong. I love it here. Every time I come here it's a new feeling, a home feeling, but it's a new one every time. It never gets old. I just love it here."
Johnson is looking forward to being a part of the Iron Bowl rivalry. The Tigers fell to the Tide 55-44 last Saturday.
"That was a very exciting game," he said. "I always believed Auburn would give them all that they wanted if they came out and played like they were capable, and they did. They just ran out of gas, unfortunately.
"In this state, you wake up on that day and you know who's who. You're either red or blue. You have to be excited about that. In-state everybody is one of those, you've got friends, you've got enemies. It's great."
Johnson said his goals for Auburn are the same he had at Madison Academy.
"Hopefully I can bring the same thing I brought to MA these last four years -- consistency and toughness. That's what Coach Cohu has instilled in all of us."