James Island found a pile mover in Johnson

James Island coach John Patterson has a warning for opposing players when they try to tackle Trojans running back Martel Johnson during Saturday's SCADA North-South All-Star Football game.

"He doesn't fall down," Patterson said of his star player.

"You have to put him on the ground."

Johnson is a hard-nosed football player who tries to emulate the style of former NFL great Jerome Bettis, a 5-10, 250-pound running back who was known as "The Bus" during his playing days.

Johnson is 5-10, but is not quite as hefty as Bettis. He only weighs 228 pounds, so he's more like a minivan. Still, he can move a pile and wear down a defense when he gets the ball.

He rushed for 1,305 yards his senior season, and that total probably would have been higher at most other schools. James Island's main method of attack this season was passing. Chris Wilkins threw for more than 2,700 yards, and Bo Patterson and Matt Porter each topped 1,000 receiving yards.

Still, Johnson got noticed, and the proof is in his selection to play in the 62nd annual all-star game, which will be held at noon Saturday at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium in Myrtle Beach. Johnson is one of 13 players from the Lowcountry who will play for the South squad.

Johnson is a complete back. He turns handoffs into yardage, but he also blocks, offering protection to the quarterback. He also is an effective receiver.

"Martel can do so many different things," Patterson said. "He is a really good player because he's so versatile. He can play the one-back in the spread formation, and he can play the fullback in the zone read. He can pound it as the tailback in the I-formation."

Look for the South to run the spread offense, an attack that Johnson knows well.

"He knows how to wait and let the play develop," Patterson said. "Sometimes you have to run slow if you want to run fast. Martel waits for the play to develop, sees the crack explodes through the hole."

Johnson knows his limitations. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds at the Shrine Bowl combine, but that might be an aberration.

"I ran a 4.7 at James Island," Johnson said. "I run mostly between the tackles, and most of my yardage comes when I'm running down hill and breaking tackles. Thank goodness for the work in the weight room. All those squats and cleans paid off."

Johnson squats 425 pounds, cleans 260 pounds and bench presses 280 pounds.

"I just get the ball, see the hole and hit it at full speed," Johnson said. "I just keep pumping my legs."

And that helps Johnson move the pile and pile up the yardage.

Reach Philip M. Bowman at pbowman@postandcourier.com or at 937-5592.