Exclusive: Miami Palmetto DB Lawrence Johnson announces his college decision

Editor’s Note: Miami Palmetto senior defensive back Lawrence Johnson has written the following first-person story, an open letter to his dad, to announce where he’ll play college football.

The 6-foot, 165-pound Johnson led Palmetto with three interceptions in 2022. He finished the season with 38 tackles, two tackles for loss and returned an interception for a touchdown in 12 games for the Panthers.

Johnson is a three-star recruit. He had more than a dozen college offers, including FAU, FIU, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Oregon State and USF.

Dear Dad,

I have to be honest, I’m both excited and nervous writing this.

This is a big step in my career. This definitely isn’t anything minor or small. Going to college is a major step for anyone, so I’m a little nervous. At the same time, I’m excited because I am going to be part of something bigger than myself and I’m going to make a difference. That’s a good feeling.

As you know, I’ve been thinking about playing college football all my life. The dream has always been to go to the NFL. But obviously, I have to play college ball first, so this is the dream.

I remember being 6 or 7 and watching football with you. I remember watching the ESPN 30 for 30 on UM’s 2001 team that went all the way, how they had that stacked team with Sean Taylor and Antrel Rolle. I always looked up to that team and how they changed the game. I always wanted to be a part of something like that.

I think it was natural for me to gravitate to football because I grew up around it. You are such a big football guy. You were the person who got Granddad into football. He didn’t know anything about it before you. You always talked about it and you were always around it. It was natural for me to play football because you embedded it into me.

We’ve always been close and football has only made us closer.

You taught me to love football very early on in my life, especially when I was playing little league football. You always pushed me to be greater and to be better. You always said that you saw yourself in me. You always preached that I can’t just play football for looks. I had to enjoy it and take pride in it.

Knowing you’re there in the stands at my games is always a great feeling. When you’re there, I get some kind of boost. I always feel like I have to prove to you or show you that I am better than you were when you were my age. You always bragged about how good you were. That’s always been a game for us. I need to show you that I’m just as good as you were at my age or possibly even better. It’s always been a motivation for me and always made me better. You always made me play better, knowing that you’re there watching.

I want to thank you for all the long hours you worked for me and my siblings. All the jobs you worked, never complaining, never looking for an easy way out. You were always doing the hard jobs. You never complained. You always worked. You showed me what it takes to provide and care for our family. You got up and worked every day even when no one was looking. You taught me to put my head down and work.

Being the first one in our family to go to college means a lot. It hasn’t sunk in yet. There’s a lot on my shoulders but with the support system I have, I know I can do anything.

A couple days ago, I heard you on the phone saying I was living out your dreams. This is where you wanted to be. I know that you love this and I want you to know that I take so much pride in this.

This is a real big step in my journey to the NFL and to accomplishing all my dreams and goals. So, I want you to be the first person to know that I am committing and taking my talents to Florida Atlantic University.

It’s a lot of things that play into my decision. The coaches in the DB room, those coaches there are great. Their resumes are great. Coach Gibson and Coach Harris have made it to the NFL. Coach Corey Bell coached guys like CJ Henderson and Marco Wilson. He’s been around and has a lot of experience under his belt. I feel like the coaching and development I’ll get at FAU can prepare me for where I want to be and where I want to go.

To end this all off, Dad, I’m thankful and blessed. I can’t wait to make you proud and take this all the way.

Winning in Paradise.

Love,

Lawrence

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Exclusive: Palmetto DB Lawrence Johnson announces his college decision