Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer : Andrew Johns

Andrew Johns, a junior captain for the Foundation Academy football team, was recognized Dec. 26 at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Citrus Bowl Breakfast with the Doug Scott Leadership Award, along with a handful of other athletes from the Central Florida region. In addition to his leadership skills he brings to the Lions, Johns is a highly rated long snapper and was an honorable mention for the FACA All-District team last season at linebacker.

What was it like to be recognized by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes?

I was honored. We had done FCA through our school, and we had always gone to the breakfast they put on. It was really nice to see it come through like that.

We understand you got to meet players from the University of Notre Dame football team at the breakfast.

I met the quarterback (Ian Book) that pulled them through (in a victory against LSU in the Citrus Bowl), and I went to the game. ... You get to see them a little more humanized. It was cool to see that aspect.

Can you tell us about how you view leadership?

A lot of people talk about leadership on the field, but that’s only like 10% of what it really is. It’s in your soul, in your body and how you carry yourself out through your day. It’s not as much vocal, but showing it matters a lot, too.

What are you most proud of about the way the Lions played last fall?

We overcame a lot of injuries. It was supposed to be a rebuilding year. ... (With a record of) 7-3, you can’t be satisfied with it, but you can look back and say, “We’ll build on it from there.”

What about the team excites you going forward?

We’ve got returning starters. … These past four years, we’ve had the same offense and same defense (schemes) — I’m really excited to see where we can go.

How are you approaching recruiting?

I’m looking for great atmosphere and good coaches — a school with my major that I’m looking into (worship arts).

How did you decide that you want to pursue worship arts?

I’ve always been in praise band and heavily involved in my church. I felt like God is leading me toward it, hopefully using football as a platform.

What is the most interesting thing you have learned about this school year?

I’m in anatomy, so just learning how intricate the body is and all the different systems that work together without us even knowing.

If you could play a game in any stadium, which would it be?

Hard Rock Stadium — I’m a Miami fan. Just the atmosphere — when they have momentum, it’s loud.