Former Nansemond River High School standout Kevin Johnson is on the Jerry Rice Award watch list.

Johnson has gotten off to a stellar first year for the Norfolk State University football team. He has been an impact player for the Spartans and has already collected three Conference Rookie of the Week awards.

Johnson has recently been added to the Jerry Rice Award watchlist. The Jerry Rice Award is given to the top freshman performer at NCAA Division I championship subdivision level. He is one of 24 freshmen on the initial list. It has been awarded since 2011 and is named for the former Mississippi Valley State and NFL Hall of Fame receiver.

The freshman Spartan is the only MEAC player on the list. The award list is composed by 150 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries will vote on the award following the regular season.

The former Warrior is tied for third in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference with nine total touchdowns, six rushing and three receiving. He also ranks fourth in the MEAC in all-purpose yards with 105.4 yards per game and seventh in rushing yards with 49.1 yards per game. He broke the team record earlier this season for the longest touchdown run that went for 84 yards against Montana State.

Johnson starred in his time at Nansemond River as a two-sport athlete. He helped the Warriors to a state semifinal finish as a junior in 2017 earning himself All-District and All-State honors. As a senior, Johnson earned All-District and All-Region honors. He also was a state and national champion for Team WAR track and field team.