Eisenhower’s general
Proviso East transfer Johnson leads Cardinals to perfect start as dual-threat quarterback
Directing the offense in the first two games, Eisenhower quarterback Nashon Johnson has looked like a seasoned veteran.
That’s surprising since Johnson didn’t have much practice time to learn the playbook after transferring from Proviso East over the summer. Throw in the additional obstacles provided by coronavirus pandemic, and it would be understandable if Johnson had experienced some growing pains. It hasn’t happened.
“We had a limited number of contact days, and for a while we weren’t allowed to come to school,” Johnson said. “All of that was a challenge. But once I got the playbook down, I was confident in what this offense would be able to do.”
What the Cardinals have done on offense in posting back-to-back victories to start the season is put up 42 points against Oak Lawn and 38 against Argo.
“I’m not surprised by our success,” Johnson said. “We know what we’re capable of when we’re clicking on all cylinders. We’re buying into what the coaches have been telling us.”
Johnson, a 6-foot, 165-pound junior, has provided a dual threat by passing for 412 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 57 yards and three TDs. He’s also been a field general in the huddle.
“Nashon has a high football IQ and great command of the offense,” Eisenhower coach Sheamus Murphy said. “His leadership skills and ability to make plays has been exceptional. He’s coachable and stays calm during adversity. He’s everything you want in a quarterback.”
Johnson has been a quarterback ever since he strapped on a helmet for the first time at age 8.
“One day at practice, I was moved to quarterback,” Johnson said. “I think it was more about my leadership. I didn’t throw the tightest spiral back then.”
And he wasn’t the fastest player either. But Johnson worked hard this offseason to improve his speed.
“I did a lot of speed training over the summer, and I’m faster now,” he said. “Now, I consider myself a true dual threat.”
As humble as he is talented, Johnson credited running back Jhajuan Lott and the offensive line of Dontus Hardy, Brian Coleman, Malik Dismukes, Diego Esparza and Anthony Koenig for helping the offense be effective.
Johnson’s brother, freshman Antonio Russell, has made a difference as well at both receiver and defensive back.
“It’s been fun playing with him,” Johnson said. “We’re pretty much in tune with one another.”
The same can be said of the camaraderie between Johnson and his teammates.
“They welcomed me with open arms,” he said. “It’s been a smooth transition.”
As productive as the offense has been, Johnson believes there’s room for improvement going into a 7 p.m. Thursday showdown against district rival Shepard.
“You can tell this is a big game,” he said. “The intensity is going to be up for sure.”
Easing back: Brother Rice senior Willie Shaw made his way onto the field during a 20-16 loss Friday against Marist after sitting out the season opener.
The Toledo recruit didn’t line up, however, in his customary spot at running back. Instead, he was at receiver, catching a 7-yard TD pass from quarterback Jack Lausch.
There’s a reason Shaw isn’t at running back, according to coach Brian Badke.
“Willie had hip surgery in December,” Badke said. “We’re letting him take it easy getting back. He’s a big-time player. When he’s fully ready, we’ll put him at running back. But he’s a threat no matter where he lines up.”
Did you know? Before dropping a 42-8 decision Friday to Shepard, Richards hadn’t lost a conference game since suffering a 33-27 setback to Eisenhower on Oct. 9, 2015.