About a year ago, this “other” Claude Johnson began showing up on my radar.

That’s saying a lot, since this other dude is way out in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.  Most people on the East Coast or on the West Coast probably think that’s in the middle of nowhere.  But actually, it’s deep in the heart of football country.

The “other” Claude Johnson is the 6 foot 1 inch, 195 lb. junior starting quarterback for the Pine Bluff High School Zebras, who compete in the state’s heavyweight 6A South Conference.

If you haven’t heard of this “other” Claude Johnson yet, you will real soon.

For example, last week Johnson produced almost 500 yards of total offense and 7 touchdowns in leading the Zebras to a 73-66 win over conference rival Lake Hamilton H.S.

In that game, Johnson — who runs the 40 yard dash in 4.5 seconds as a dual-threat at the QB position — completed 18 of 22 passes for 366 yards and 6 touchdowns, while running for 134 yards and one touchdown.

This year he’s already thrown for over 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns in five games, with only 2 interceptions.

As a sophomore, Johnson passed 142 times for 1,088 yards and 10 touchdowns, and also ran for nearly 1,200 yards more.

The “other” Claude Johnson recently got his first scholarship offer, from Ole Miss (the site of the recent Presidential Debate).

But it won’t be long before more elite programs come calling, considering that Alabama, Notre Dame, Oregon, and Clemson have all requested film, according to Zebras head coach Bobby Bolding.

Johnson is also coveted by Arkansas and just began showing up on ESPN’s radar.

“He’s a playmaker,” Bolding says in a recent Pine Bluff Commercial interview. “He can do it with his arms or his feet.”

Not only is Johnson just a junior, but also, Bolding continues, “He’s real hungry to learn the game.”

And humble as a plate of Arkansas catfish.  “I have to keep working so I can get more offers,” Johnson explains. “You never know, I might get another major college offer.”

Might?

One other thing — how’s his team leadership?

“Not only is he a great player, he approaches the game the right way,” coach Bolding shares.  “He makes the people around him better.”

Johnson, who last summer worked on being more vocal, adds, “I knew I could play so I tried to become a better leader on the field and help my team win, not just do my individual thing.”

Also during the summer, the high school junior surprised everyone with a close second place finish in the Arkansas Top Gun Quarterback Challenge, a skills competition and scouting showcase.

“I hope my name is out there,” Johnson told the Arkansas Democrat Gazette after his Top Gun performance. “If it’s not, I’ll get it out there somehow.”

He has no idea.

But, will he ever be the real Claude Johnson? :-)

I think yes, in his own way.

(For the remaining Pine Bluff Zebras football schedule visit here.)

UPDATE (10/16/2008):
Johnson and teammate Kelsey Collins were co-honored as Associated Press Arkansas High School Player of the Week for their performances in the Pine Bluff vs. Lake Hamilton game I described above. Here’s more (from the Baxter Bulletin) on Collins, who seems astonishing in his own right:

Collins returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and also scored on a pair of receptions. The two share The Associated Press Arkansas High School Player of the Week honors.

Each of Collins’ return touchdowns covered 95 yards. He also caught four passes for 101 yards.