LA’TAVION JOHNSON
MUSKOGEE HIGH SCHOOL
After three seasons at running back, senior La’Tavion Johnson finds himself in a changing role in 2024 as the Muskogee Roughers begin defense of their Class 6A-II state title.
Johnson played most of last season with a knee injury but still managed nearly 700 yards rushing with 14 touchdowns. Johnson is back to full speed, but with the addition of transfer PJ Wallace to the running back corps this year it’s opened some other possibilities for the likeable Johnson as the coaches are working him at middle linebacker where his 4.5-40 speed will help on the edges.
“I played middle linebacker in eighth grade but in high school we’ve been so limited at running back that I’ve had to stay there. Now that we’ve got a good group of running backs it’s made it possible for me to play on defense and I think I’m pretty good at it,” said La’Tavion. “I’ve got a running back mentality, so I know how these guys think when they have the ball. I also played cornerback when I was younger and learned how to flip my head around and turn my hips when I’m in pass coverage.”
Johnson, who wears the number-4 jersey, is always good for a joke or a prank on the team and he feels his outgoing personality willhelp him become an effective senior leader.
“What I try to do is establish a good relationship with everyone on the team and have a good vibe with them. I’m not a vocal guy so I try to use that relationship to correct guys if I need to but do it as a friend. I tell everyone…’if you stay ready you ain’t got to get ready’.”
There are a couple of main influences that La’Tavion talks about in his life that bring a big smile to his face.
