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Page 6 Daily Collegian Friday, Nov. 9, 1990 Johnson escaped the gangs By Richard W. James COLLEGIAN SPORTS WRITER As the sun sets on the Fresno State practice football field. Junior offensive right guard Melvtn Johnson takes off his shoulder pads. As steam comes off his shoulders, he reflects on his chaotic childhood. Growing up in Lynwood. California (a suburb .of Los Angeles) Johnson was surrounded by gang violence. There were two groups. You either got into a gang or played your sport. I chose to play sports," said Johnson. Johnson started playing football In the Pop Warner League in 1977. In fact, he wanted to play so bad. he used a bogus birth certificate so he could play a year early. He was a three-sport player in Junior high and in ninth grade he was a guard on his high school basketball team. In addition to pfcrylng on the football team. • When Johnson chose to concentrate on football, he looked to track- and field for conditioning. Through his efforts there, he was the San Gabriel Valley League Champion and competed in the CIF Championships as a shot putter from Lynwood High School. As a football player. Johnson was a two time All-CIF Southern Conference offensive lineman and a three time All-San Gabriel Valley League selection at Lynwood High. He was also named to the Los Angeles Times All-CityTeam. Then Johnson's football career went bleak for a moment. After being recruited by such schools as Fresno ._and obtain the necessary score to pass the SAT. Now. as a Proposition 48 casualty, many of the schools did not show as much of an interest in Johnson as they once dkL "Fresno State still showed me the love and consideration they had before." Johnson said. "Phis they have a winning tradition here and a well known coach in [FSU head coach Jim) Sweeney." His freshman year was rough, according to Johnson. 1 never went to any of the games or came to the locker room." he said. "I pretty much Just kept to myself and stayed away from people," While sitting that year out. Johnson ftitrated on academics, in Id "Ms* semester. Johnson to! srrffr- Jotrtrr, Statlord/The Doty C There were two groups. You either got into a gang or you played your sport. I chose to play sports," Fresno State's Metvin Johnson said of his childhood. Johnson is the starting right guard on the football team and is regarded as the best professional prospect on the line. carries a 2.6 grade point average as a business management major. After obtaining his degree and his football career is over, he said he would like to "Join a large Arm and eventually own my own business, maybe a sporting goods store." Once starting his Bulldog football career. Johnson made an immediate ' Impact on the offensive line. Johnson credits his success to offensive line coach BUI Dole. "Coach Dole Is a laid back type of guy." Johnson said. "He Is also a fSUlbstsRegiondl ByBobbyTodd GOU-i^ANS^^WRITER.- In a qualifying' meet- 'for ■the NCAA. Craampfoi-ifilxlps which take, place In two weeks, 'Fresno State University will host (he 1990 NCAA R«gk*"r**3: C.ross Country Championships- *' tomorrow morning at Woodward Park. The women's 8,000 meter race begins at 10:80 «Wra; while the men's 10.000 meter race will start at 11:15 a.n>, :' Fresno State's Jason Llenau, the 1990 Big West Conference Champion, finished 21 si in last season's Championships and fs looking for a top? 15 finish : to qualify for the NCAA Championships, Joining Uenau will be teammates Jamey Harris, Gilbert DeJgado. Todd Shelter and Jim Ztmrner. FSU's Cindy.: Rockwood-Amster *"ww the-BuIidog'B "amfeher for the °.womcii%r team last year,, placing :29th. She will le&d Fresno State 'into the meet with, a strong supporting cast featuring Julie JKrrke, Betty Chavez, Shannon "-'Dederand Evelyn Martina Oregon. Arizona and Washington highlight the men's race, while UC tIrvine Oregon. Arizona and Washington are set to'duel for the women's championship. . Oregon', last year's men's Region 8 champion, won the Pac-10 championship two weeks ago; finishing ahead of both Arizona andWaahtngton. The Wildcats, who finished second to the Ducks despite placing three of the first .five runners the finish line, are led. by »c~ 10 Individual Champion Marc Davis; Davis was considered a favorite for title last season until he Injured his foot in wlnningi.the Pac-10 crown, an injury tnat not only Se*1ttiWB,pOQ*7 __—_______ tachnldah. He focuses more on the techniques of the position." Johnson also said the other offensive line coach. Mike Hill. Is "more of a fiery type of guy." Johnson, who Is 6'2" and 300 pounds, says he does not feel his weight Is a problem. 1 was 295 pounds In high school. I really get full last I think I Just eat whenever I'm hungry and sometimes I don't eat the right things." Johnson said: He also added his favorite food is his mother's roast, rice, and gravy. Bulldog fob While Johnson admits he has Slaved well this season, he still says els not satisfied. "I think I am 80 percent of my best right now." Johnson said. "I would like to drop 10 to 15 pounds to allow me to be a little quicker and to help my endurance," Johnson says he is at his best when he Is pulling. "Linebackers don't think I will beat them to the spot, but they're surprised SeeJOHNSON,poge7 aces strong test from UOP's Kopp By Chris Branam COLLEGIAN SPORTS laDrTOR The football matchup of Fresno State vs. the University of Pacific Saturday at Bulldog Stadium at 7 p.m. is every offensive coordinator's dream. FSU (7-1-1. 4-0-1 in the Big West Conference) will try to keep pace with conference leader San Jose State with a win over UOP (4-5, 2-3). The Tigers, on the other hand, have won three of their last four games and are trying to finish with a winning record for the first time in 13 years. The two teams feature explosive offenses, though FSU's pass-defense may be the key to the outcome. Pacific coach Walt Harris will send out the nation's third-best passer, sophomore quarterback Troy Kopp, to try to dismantle the NCAA's eighth- ranked Bulldog pass-defense. Kopp has been hotter than a July in Fresno over his last five games. Starting with the Tigers' 37-28 loss to Nevada. Las Vegas Sept 29, Kopp has thrown for 415 yards (UNLV). 515 yards (Cal-State Fullerton). 564 yards (New Mexico State), 390 yards (Hawaii) and 464 yards (Portland State). He set an NCAA record for throwing for over 500 yards In consecutive games; and UOP Is 3-2 over that span. Kopp's favorite targets have been wide receiver Aaron Turner (47 receptions. 972 yards) and flanker Daryl Hobbs (48 and 600). Turner is .only 91 yards away from breaking the single-season school record of J,062 yards. Hobbs has already broken the UOP single-season record with his 12 touchdown receptions. The "Dogs 'will counter with a secondary which has limited opponents this season to only 176.8 yards-per-game through the air. The successful return of senior free safety Marquez Pope last week against UNLV also adds a spark to the defense. Pope came back from shoulder problems which sidelined him for about a month to register 10 tackles, See PACIFIC, page 7
Object Description
Title | 1990_11 The Daily Collegian November 1990 |
Alternative Title | Daily Collegian (California State University, Fresno) |
Publisher | Associated Students of Fresno State, Fresno, Calif. |
Publication Date | 1990 |
Description | Daily (except weedends) during the school year. Microfilm. Palo Alto, Calif.: BMI Library Microfilms, 1986- microfilm reels; 35 mm. Vol.1, no.1 (Feb 8, 1922)- |
Subject | California State University, Fresno -- Periodicals. |
Contributors | Associated Students of Fresno State. |
Coverage | Vol.1 no.1 (Feb 8, 1922)- to present |
Format | Microfilm reels, 35 mm. |
Technical Information | Scanned at 600 dpi; TIFF; Microfilm ScanPro 2000 "E-image data" |
Language | eng |
Description
Title | November 9, 1990, Page 6 |
Alternative Title | Daily Collegian (California State University, Fresno) |
Publisher | Associated Students of Fresno State, Fresno, Calif. |
Publication Date | 1990 |
Description | Daily (except weedends) during the school year. Microfilm. Palo Alto, Calif.: BMI Library Microfilms, 1986- microfilm reels; 35 mm. Vol.1, no.1 (Feb 8, 1922)- |
Subject | California State University, Fresno -- Periodicals. |
Contributors | Associated Students of Fresno State. |
Coverage | Vol.1 no.1 (Feb 8, 1922)- to present |
Format | Microfilm reels, 35 mm. |
Technical Information | Scanned at 600 dpi; TIFF; Microfilm ScanPro 2000 "E-image data" |
Language | eng |
Full-Text-Search | Page 6 Daily Collegian Friday, Nov. 9, 1990 Johnson escaped the gangs By Richard W. James COLLEGIAN SPORTS WRITER As the sun sets on the Fresno State practice football field. Junior offensive right guard Melvtn Johnson takes off his shoulder pads. As steam comes off his shoulders, he reflects on his chaotic childhood. Growing up in Lynwood. California (a suburb .of Los Angeles) Johnson was surrounded by gang violence. There were two groups. You either got into a gang or played your sport. I chose to play sports," said Johnson. Johnson started playing football In the Pop Warner League in 1977. In fact, he wanted to play so bad. he used a bogus birth certificate so he could play a year early. He was a three-sport player in Junior high and in ninth grade he was a guard on his high school basketball team. In addition to pfcrylng on the football team. • When Johnson chose to concentrate on football, he looked to track- and field for conditioning. Through his efforts there, he was the San Gabriel Valley League Champion and competed in the CIF Championships as a shot putter from Lynwood High School. As a football player. Johnson was a two time All-CIF Southern Conference offensive lineman and a three time All-San Gabriel Valley League selection at Lynwood High. He was also named to the Los Angeles Times All-CityTeam. Then Johnson's football career went bleak for a moment. After being recruited by such schools as Fresno ._and obtain the necessary score to pass the SAT. Now. as a Proposition 48 casualty, many of the schools did not show as much of an interest in Johnson as they once dkL "Fresno State still showed me the love and consideration they had before." Johnson said. "Phis they have a winning tradition here and a well known coach in [FSU head coach Jim) Sweeney." His freshman year was rough, according to Johnson. 1 never went to any of the games or came to the locker room." he said. "I pretty much Just kept to myself and stayed away from people," While sitting that year out. Johnson ftitrated on academics, in Id "Ms* semester. Johnson to! srrffr- Jotrtrr, Statlord/The Doty C There were two groups. You either got into a gang or you played your sport. I chose to play sports," Fresno State's Metvin Johnson said of his childhood. Johnson is the starting right guard on the football team and is regarded as the best professional prospect on the line. carries a 2.6 grade point average as a business management major. After obtaining his degree and his football career is over, he said he would like to "Join a large Arm and eventually own my own business, maybe a sporting goods store." Once starting his Bulldog football career. Johnson made an immediate ' Impact on the offensive line. Johnson credits his success to offensive line coach BUI Dole. "Coach Dole Is a laid back type of guy." Johnson said. "He Is also a fSUlbstsRegiondl ByBobbyTodd GOU-i^ANS^^WRITER.- In a qualifying' meet- 'for ■the NCAA. Craampfoi-ifilxlps which take, place In two weeks, 'Fresno State University will host (he 1990 NCAA R«gk*"r**3: C.ross Country Championships- *' tomorrow morning at Woodward Park. The women's 8,000 meter race begins at 10:80 «Wra; while the men's 10.000 meter race will start at 11:15 a.n>, :' Fresno State's Jason Llenau, the 1990 Big West Conference Champion, finished 21 si in last season's Championships and fs looking for a top? 15 finish : to qualify for the NCAA Championships, Joining Uenau will be teammates Jamey Harris, Gilbert DeJgado. Todd Shelter and Jim Ztmrner. FSU's Cindy.: Rockwood-Amster *"ww the-BuIidog'B "amfeher for the °.womcii%r team last year,, placing :29th. She will le&d Fresno State 'into the meet with, a strong supporting cast featuring Julie JKrrke, Betty Chavez, Shannon "-'Dederand Evelyn Martina Oregon. Arizona and Washington highlight the men's race, while UC tIrvine Oregon. Arizona and Washington are set to'duel for the women's championship. . Oregon', last year's men's Region 8 champion, won the Pac-10 championship two weeks ago; finishing ahead of both Arizona andWaahtngton. The Wildcats, who finished second to the Ducks despite placing three of the first .five runners the finish line, are led. by »c~ 10 Individual Champion Marc Davis; Davis was considered a favorite for title last season until he Injured his foot in wlnningi.the Pac-10 crown, an injury tnat not only Se*1ttiWB,pOQ*7 __—_______ tachnldah. He focuses more on the techniques of the position." Johnson also said the other offensive line coach. Mike Hill. Is "more of a fiery type of guy." Johnson, who Is 6'2" and 300 pounds, says he does not feel his weight Is a problem. 1 was 295 pounds In high school. I really get full last I think I Just eat whenever I'm hungry and sometimes I don't eat the right things." Johnson said: He also added his favorite food is his mother's roast, rice, and gravy. Bulldog fob While Johnson admits he has Slaved well this season, he still says els not satisfied. "I think I am 80 percent of my best right now." Johnson said. "I would like to drop 10 to 15 pounds to allow me to be a little quicker and to help my endurance," Johnson says he is at his best when he Is pulling. "Linebackers don't think I will beat them to the spot, but they're surprised SeeJOHNSON,poge7 aces strong test from UOP's Kopp By Chris Branam COLLEGIAN SPORTS laDrTOR The football matchup of Fresno State vs. the University of Pacific Saturday at Bulldog Stadium at 7 p.m. is every offensive coordinator's dream. FSU (7-1-1. 4-0-1 in the Big West Conference) will try to keep pace with conference leader San Jose State with a win over UOP (4-5, 2-3). The Tigers, on the other hand, have won three of their last four games and are trying to finish with a winning record for the first time in 13 years. The two teams feature explosive offenses, though FSU's pass-defense may be the key to the outcome. Pacific coach Walt Harris will send out the nation's third-best passer, sophomore quarterback Troy Kopp, to try to dismantle the NCAA's eighth- ranked Bulldog pass-defense. Kopp has been hotter than a July in Fresno over his last five games. Starting with the Tigers' 37-28 loss to Nevada. Las Vegas Sept 29, Kopp has thrown for 415 yards (UNLV). 515 yards (Cal-State Fullerton). 564 yards (New Mexico State), 390 yards (Hawaii) and 464 yards (Portland State). He set an NCAA record for throwing for over 500 yards In consecutive games; and UOP Is 3-2 over that span. Kopp's favorite targets have been wide receiver Aaron Turner (47 receptions. 972 yards) and flanker Daryl Hobbs (48 and 600). Turner is .only 91 yards away from breaking the single-season school record of J,062 yards. Hobbs has already broken the UOP single-season record with his 12 touchdown receptions. The "Dogs 'will counter with a secondary which has limited opponents this season to only 176.8 yards-per-game through the air. The successful return of senior free safety Marquez Pope last week against UNLV also adds a spark to the defense. Pope came back from shoulder problems which sidelined him for about a month to register 10 tackles, See PACIFIC, page 7 |