Jan. 16, 2008
(Houston, TX) - USD senior quarterback Josh Johnson (Oakland, CA) is currently in Houston, Texas preparing for this Saturday's 83rd Annual East-West Shrine Game. One of the premier all-star games with a long history of distinguished players and coaches in the game, the contest will be televised live on ESPN2 (4 p.m. PST). The game is being played at the University of Houston at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium. The West Squad is being coached by Mike White who held head coaching positions at Illinois, Cal and with the Oakland Raiders. Johnson is one of three quarterbacks on the West roster - he is joined by Sam Keller of Nebraska and SDSU's Kevin O'Connell.
The game's true purpose is in helping support Shriners Hospitals for Children. Every year since 1925 the game has been played to raise money and to help make the public aware of the expert orthopedic an burn care available, at NO cost, at all 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Although USD has had former players represented in the Hula Bowl and Senior Bowl, Johnson is the Toreros first player to participate in the East-West Shrine game. Johnson wrapped up his stellar career with the Toreros this past November. He finished 3rd in the final voting for the Walter Payton Award, and was a 2nd Team AP All-American and 3rd Team Sports Network All-American. In 2007 he tossed a school record 43 touchdowns while ranking first in the nation in total offense, passing efficiency and points responsible for. He leaves USD with all the career passing records and also is the new NCAA career leader in passing efficiency with a 176.68 rating.
For his career he completed 724-of-1,065 passes (.680) for 9,699 yards and 113 touchdowns (with just 15 picks). He also proved a threat on the ground as he finished with 1,864 yards rushing on 307 attempts (6.1 ave.) with 19 career rushing scores. As a three-year starter for the Toreros he was 30-4 and led San Diego to two Mid-Major Sports Network championships and three PFL conference titles. He finished with 11,563 yards of total offense.
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