Above: On Friday, Fairmont senior running back Elijah Johnson was named the 2024 Football Player of the Year.
FAIRMONT – After a stellar senior season that saw him finish second on Fairmont High School’s all-time single-season rushing yards record, Cardinals senior running back Elijah Johnson was named All-Sentinel Football Player of the Year for the second consecutive season on Friday. .
Despite winning Player of the Year honors for the second year in a row, Johnson remains humble as he prepares to attend the University of St. Thomas next season. However, not before appearing in the All-Star Game with teammate Hank Ertz.
“I think it was fun to play with everyone in the class.” said Johnson. “This was definitely the most intense game I’ve played since the four years I’ve been playing on the national team, so it was really cool to play with them.”
Heading to St. Thomas after a senior season in which he surpassed last season’s performance by 200 yards, Johnson plans to maintain and improve his routine and work ethic in preparation for a Division I appearance.
“I loved what the coaches were working on and I loved their culture.” said Johnson. “I went to the games, too, and watching them play really met everything I needed. Yeah, and just like the overall culture.”
In his final season as a Cardinal, Johnson ran for 1,671 yards, averaging 6.7 yards per carry, and rushed for 26 touchdowns, for a season total of 29 touchdowns. This brings his career totals to 3,786 yards and 51 total touchdowns, two of which came on kick returns.
“I’m grateful to my coach for giving me the opportunity to carry the stone.” said Johnson. “I’m grateful to the line for being proactive and I just had to do the rest. It’s easy to put up statistics like that when you’re running behind guys like that.”
Johnson also won the Cardinals’ 2024 MVP, South Central District Player of the Year, was named to the South Central District All-Conference Team, All-Star Football Game, and was named All-State Player for this result. Advance to the playoffs in 2018.
“I’m really happy to represent Fairmont.” said Johnson. “I have to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talent and get nominated for the All-Star Game.”
Johnson credits his success and dedication to the coaching staff and teammates at Fairmont High School and how they all came together to grow as players, teammates and men. I plan to carry the lessons with me into my college career.
“We continue to work hard and continue to fight at Fairmont.” said Johnson. “Stay in that lab and keep working. I’m going to develop leadership skills there, make my voice heard, and work with my sons there.”
This performance adds another game to his high school career and earns him a spot in the Minnesota Football Coaches Association All-Star Game on December 14th at U.S. Bank Stadium.
