Julie McCombs
Malek Johnson makes his case for getting some playing time at wide receiver with this catch made in Saturday's spring scrimmage. Dorian Lindsey made the throw.
Julie McCombs
Dorian Lindsey, a rising sophomore, saw his first quarterback action at Dooley Field during Saturday's scrimmage.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, Johnson only has to refer to exhibit A – a classic diving catch across the end zone for a touchdown – in Saturday’s Greer High School spring game at Dooley Field.
“I think that definitely helps,” Young said with a smile.
Johnson, a rising senior defensive back and return specialist, said that catch helped state his case.
“I ran an inside post and (Dorian Lindsey) threw it over my left shoulder like we’ve been practicing,” Johnson said. Johnson caught the ball, fully outstretched with his body parallel to the ground, and soared over the goal line in mid-flight.
Johnson said he would gladly offer his talents on offense. “I want to play anywhere I can help my team to reach state,” Johnson said. “I believe you got to want it and play hard to be great.”
Johnson also intercepted a pass and ran it back for a touchdown.
Johnson has been a rising talent in Greer’s secondary since his freshman year and has matured, “into maybe the best safety in the state and a quality person,” Young said.
In Johnson’s past two seasons Greer made the playoffs twice, losing in the first round in 2011 and the second round last year. Johnson’s theme this year: “Go hard or go home.”
Lindsey’s passing impressed Young in the scrimmage. He will be a sophomore in the fall and will battle rising junior Thomas Center for playing time. “Dorian played well for his first time playing in this stadium,” Young said.
DeAndre Moren, rising junior, saw considerable action at running back. He also intercepted a pass.
Young usually waits to review the film of scrimmages and games before signaling out individuals. He was pleased with the line play. “Roland (Nall) and Ty (Campbell) did well. Ty played offense and defense and will be doing some of that,” Young said
• Quez Nesbitt was an early highlight film gaining chunks of yardage on the first drive. Unique to Nesbitt’s day was a fumble recovered by the defense.
• Ty Campbell, rising two-way senior lineman, made a crushing block on one defender that could be heard throughout the stadium. He also recovered Nesbitt’s fumble.
• There were some acrobatic catches by receivers. Tay Woods, rising senior, grabbed one and Emmanuel Kelly tipped a pass to himself. Kelly scored a touchdown on a reception.
• Adrian McGee, rising sophomore, intercepted a pass.
• The fashion police would have enjoyed commenting on players’ socks. Superman, camouflage, red-topped, and all black hose were modeled. Gold shoes were sprinkled in with some two-tone and the traditional black and white.
• Trainers were not at the scrimmage. There were no apparent injuries although one player was helped up and sent to the sidelines.
• About 300 attended the scrimmage, under threatening skies. All-night storms and rain threatened to postpone the scrimmage.
• Dooley Field was in immaculate shape with its grass lush and freshly cut.