Class of 2010: Shooting Claims Life of Mississippi Standout

I just learned of the tragic death of one of the nation’s top Class of 2010 prospects; standout Mississippi RB Billy Joe Johnson.

According to the Jackson Clarion Ledger, Johnson “died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound early Monday after being pulled over by a sheriff’s deputy.”

I had Johnson ranked as one of the top ten junior running backs in the nation. It is a huge loss for fans of high school football, Mississippi football and those who follow recruiting.

More importantly, irrespective as to his ability on the field, it is a most tragic loss for those who knew him as more than a great player—his family and friends. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.

Below is the database entry I had on Billy Joe Johnson:

Name:	Billy Joe Johnson
Class:	2010
Position:	RB
Height:	5′11
Weight:	220
Forty:
City/School:	Lucedale George County
State:	Mississippi
Top Offers:	AL, AUB, MS, MSST, ARK, LSU, ORE
National Ranking Position:	9
Rating:	5
Junior Local Honors:	Top 15 MS Juniors (MPR; October 2008); 54 Mississippi Juniors to Watch (Jackson Clarion Ledger; August 2008)
Sophomore Local Honors:	1-Biloxi Sun-Herald-South Mississippi (RB); 2-Hattiesburg American-Area (RB)
Freshman Local Honors:	1-Biloxi Sun Herald-South Mississippi (RB)
News And Notes:	One of the top juniors in Mississippi and RBs in the nation…………..1-Biloxi Sun-Herald-South Mississippi: Billy Joe Johnson Position: Running back School: George County Class: Sophomore Height: 5-11 Weight: 180 Noteworthy: 156 rushes for 1,131 yards, 10 touchdowns; 8 receptions for 46 yards; Region 4-5A first team; second straight All-South Mississippi appearance Favorite Football Moment: reaching the 5A state championship game Favorite Music artist: Lil Boosie Favorite Movie: Dukes of Hazzard……………..As The Rebels are loaded at the skill positions, featuring running back Billy Joe Johnson (1,403 yards, 18 TDs) …………As a freshman he rushed for 1,405 yards and 18 TDs…………Came in at 5-10, 220 at March 2008 Louisiana Five Star Academy…………..Great combination of size, power, vision, balance and speed…………As of November he favored Alabama and Auburn…………..George County running back Billy Joe Johnson gained 1,405 rushing yards and scored 18 touchdowns for the two-time Region 4-5A champs. He had the most impressive debut for any freshman on the Coast……………..Freshman Johnson rushes George County to victory (Biloxi) Sun Herald, The, November, 2006 by JAMES JONES George County running back Billy Joe Johnson has set a new standard for freshmen football players on the Coast. Johnson rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown as the fifth-ranked Rebels beat Brandon 24-14 in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs on Friday night at Gil-Martin Stadium. The Rebels (10-2) will host Meridian (9-3) in a second-round contest next Friday at Gil-Martin Stadium. “It doesn’t matter if it’s pretty or ugly, a win’s a win,” Rebels coach Al Jones said. “You just want to advance and reach the next round.” Brandon could not stop the fleet-footed Johnson, who has 1,275 yards rushing this season. “I had a great game until I fumbled in the fourth quarter,” Johnson said. “I didn’t expect to have this good a year. But I feel good about helping the team win.” The loss, however, was costly for the Rebels. Quarterback Tookie Hopkins