CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Isaiah Johnson is one of the greatest athletes to come out of Rossview High School, and the Clarksville area for that matter. The former Eastern Illinois University and Buffalo Bills running back is returning to his alma mater to coach, giving back to a program that means so much to him.
Johnson was unstoppable in high school. The running back is the all-time career leader for both yards (4,040) and touchdowns (43), as well as being a member of the only team in Rossview football history to win a playoff game when they beat Memphis Central 24-7 on Nov. 7, 2014.
DOWNLOAD THE APP: Sign up for our free Clarksville Now app
“To be able to come back to my alma mater is one of those full-circle blessings,” said Johnson. “Between my brothers and I, we have given Rossview football 11 years of our lives. So to be able to come back to not relive those memories but to be a part of this next generation journey, helping them accomplish their goals, is what I striving for.
Johnson went to a junior college out of high school, then went on to play at Eastern Illinois, where he was a two-time all OVC selection. He rushed for 1,500 yards, including 12 touchdowns. Following college, Johnson signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Bills. A couple of years later, he decided he wanted to get into coaching and landed with Isaac Shelby and the Clarksville High Wildcats, where he coached from 2022-23.
“It was a great opportunity, being able to learn the culture of that staff, and learn from those coaches like Shelby and Stanley,” said Johnson.” I didn’t want to bite the hand that fed me, but I always knew I was going to end up back here, to give back to the kids here, and try to accomplish the things we were able to do during my time.”
Nobody is more excited about Johnson than Rossview head coach Todd Hood. Hood has a great relationship with Johnson, and has called him in to talk to his teams in the past.
“t’s been a great uplifting experience to have Coach Johnson on our coaching staff this year. He’s probably the best running back in Rossview football history,” said Hood. “His energy, expertise of the running back position, and coaching knowledge have been a huge asset for our team this year. Coach Johnson has a great relationship with our players, and they love him to death. I feel like this is home for him, and it fits well with us all.”
Now, Johnson will try to bring his expertise to the 2024 Hawks squad as running backs coach, and replicate his playoff success. However, Johnson’s main goal isn’t to make great players on the field, it’s to develop great men off of it.
“The main thing I hope to instill into my players is to just be good young men,” he said. “Whether it involves being a good student, employee, son, brother, father when the times comes. I want them to be true hard-working gentlemen of not just the game of football but in life. Football, like many other sports, provides these life lessons for young men.”