Florida High WR Aaron Johnson II fumbled early. Then he took over

Aaron “AJ” Johnson II could do nothing but watch as Madison County defensive back Christian Robinson sprinted downfield for a 70-yard fumble recovery touchdown in the first quarter on Friday.

The senior wide receiver from Florida State University School had just dropped a backward pass from freshman quarterback Connor Tigarina, which resulted in a fumble and subsequent touchdown for the Madison County defense.

“Nobody was down on him or took it more personally than AJ,” said Jarrod Hickman, Florida High School’s head coach.

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In the second quarter, there was a party in the endzone after Johnson caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Tigarina to capture a 14-6 advantage for the Seminoles.

“I’m a leader for my team; they expect a lot out of me,” Johnson told the Tallahassee Democrat. “All glory to God, to be honest. I had to shake it off. Perserverance, I’ve been through a lot myself. So not letting the little things phase me. Just come back and make a big play for my team.”

As Madison County attempted to make a comeback, Johnson then rose to the occasion once more to give Florida High some breathing room.

Cowboys quarterback Chad Mitchell had just punched in a rushing touchdown to cap off a lengthy drive to cut the deficit to 21-12 late in the third quarter.

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Then the most explosive play of the night happened.

Johnson received the ensuing kickoff and outran the Cowboys’ special teams unit to score a 95-yard touchdown, his second time reaching the box on the night. Florida High went up 28-12.

“Just using my superpower, speed,” Johnson said. “Just continuing to do that for my team, my coaches, and the community. I’m just blessed and thankful.”

Johnson entered Friday with 10 receptions and 86 yards. The transfer from James S. Rickards High School also rushed twice for 82 yards and scored a touchdown, per his MaxPreps profile.

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Hickman says he’s just scratching the surface in a Florida High offense that’s currently without its full-time starting quarterback, Jayme Miller.

“The kid’s a playmaker. There are more ways we can still get him the football,” Hickman said of Johnson. “Character and leadership, those things show up. That’s the kind of kid he is, and he’ll make a play for this football team.”

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The recruiting process is warming up for Johnson.

He holds seven college football scholarship offers as of Friday: Howard, Jackson State, Jacksonville State, Kentucky, Troy, Maryland, and Western Kentucky.

His hometown school, Florida A&M, could be next, Johnson hopes. The 5-foot-10, 165-pounder visits the campus on Saturday when the Rattlers host Tennessee State on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium.

FAMU’s wide receivers coach, Ron Dugans, was at the Florida High-Madison County game scouting talent.

“Looking forward to that visit,” Johnson previewed the FAMU visit. “Just enjoying the HBCU experience.”

Next, the Seminoles host Lafayette (2-4) on Sept. 25.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida High WR Aaron Johnson II fumbled early. Then he took over