Markerion Johnson is ready to be a leader for the Blast

by Raven Moore

Markerion Johnson Bio

DOB: 08/25/99

Position: WR/DB

Hometown: Memphis, TN

Education: Whitehaven High school /Mississippi Valley State 

 

Introducing the Memphis Blast: Markerion Johnson

There’s a common misconception that youth is a clear indicator that a player must be inexperienced. Dynamic wide receiver, Markerion Johnson wants to debunk that stereotype and make a name for himself in the Gridiron Developmental Football League.

Despite Johnson being one of the youngest players on the team, Blast head coach, Charles Thompson, believes that the sky is the limit for the young athlete.

“Markerion is a very fast wideout who is a threat to score anytime he catches a pass,” Thompson said. “He is a receiver who has nice hands and runs quality routes. If he can maintain his focus and get on a consistent schedule with the team, he could be unstoppable.”

For the Memphis native, football isn’t just a sport, but an escape from the troubled reality he faced growing up.

“Football gave me another life,” Johnson said. “I’m the oldest of six children in a single-parent household. Growing up, I was surrounded by gangs and I was out doing things that I knew I had no business doing. If I hadn’t started playing football, I honestly don’t think I would be here today. The game has not only changed mine but my whole family’s life.”

Johnson has been involved in the game since he was nine years old and with his influx of talent and hard work, he parlayed that into an opportunity to play football at Mississippi Valley State.

“My experience in college really what I expected it to be,” Johnson said. “I won’t say it was too easy, but it didn’t challenge me either.”

As Johnson prepares for his first season with the Blast, he knows that this is an opportunity towards his lifelong dream of playing in the NFL and has set lofty personal goals to make sure he makes his presence felt.

“I wanted to join the Blast to further my career,” Johnson said. “I knew that I would gain experience working with older guys while I continue on my quest. I want to show I belong by leading the GDFL in receiving yards and touchdowns.”

As one of the team’s leading receivers, Johnson will get an opportunity early and often to show that he’s the real deal.