Student-Athlete Spotlights: RJ Johnson

A native of Franklinton, N.C., RJ Johnson is off to a strong start as a student-athlete at App State. He made the Dean's List in his first fall semester in college and is a starting outfielder for the Mountaineers baseball team.

For our Student-Athlete Spotlights series, let's get to know RJ a little better:
 
Q: What is your plan for a major?
 
A: "Exercise Science."
 
Q: What would you like to do professionally (after your sports career is over) and how has App State/your major contributed to that path?
 
A: "After my sports career, I would love to be a strength coach. I have met a lot of great people and formed beneficial relationships. Hopefully, my connection with the strength and conditioning staff here will help me later down the line."
 
Q: Why is earning a college degree important to you and your family?
 
A: "Earning a college degree is important to my family and I because obviously there's life after baseball. My parents have always told me how important academics are and how far they can take you in life with many opportunities."
 
Q: Who have your biggest mentors on campus been?
 
A: "Some of my biggest mentors are the coaches on the baseball staff and the older guys on our team. Any question I've had or assistance I've needed, they have always found a way to aid me. That was super helpful as a first-year freshman."
 
Q: What are some of your fondest memories so far in your time at App State?
 
A: "I've only been here a short time, but just getting to lace my cleats up every day and go to work with my boys. It has truly been a dream come true to be able to earn a degree while chasing my baseball goals at an intense level. It all means so much to me and I'll never forget it!"
 
Q: What convinced you that App State was the right place for you?
 
A: "I think just the hometown atmosphere and the family feel was really what sold me when I visited here. It was second to none, and it felt like the best place for me to unlock my true potential."
 
Q: If you could get free food for life, which restaurant would you choose?
 
A: "I'd have to go with Comeback Shack."
 
Q: What's something you can't live without?

A: "My family. I don't know where I would be without them."