Alabama A&M football standout dies in car crash

Authorities confirm that Alabama A&M University sophomore Danny Kendall Johnson was killed in a vehicle crash Thursday morning.

Danny Johnson (Alabama A&M University)

“This is a tragic loss for the Alabama A&M University family,” said Director of Athletics Bryan Hicks. “Danny was a fine young man, a hard worker on the field and off. Our condolences go out to the Johnson family.”

Johnson, 20, was killed when the 2011 Kia he was a passenger in collided head-on with a 1999 Dodge pickup truck in Jackson County. It happened shortly after 8 a.m. on Alabama 40 about 10 miles north east of Scottsboro, according to Alabama State Troopers.

Johnson, who troopers said was not using a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The drivers of both vehicles were injured. The Kia’s driver was transported to Huntsville Hospital.

The wreck is still under investigation.

Johnson was a two-year starter for the Bulldogs football team. He’s remembered as an outstanding athlete who loved the game.

He started as a quarterback for J.O. Johnson High School, graduating in 2014. Alabama A&M University athletics spokesman Bud McLaughlin said Johnson decided to play defensive back when he got to college so he could get on the field even more.

Last season, Johnson was second on the team with 30 solo tackles and he broke up four passes last season.

During his 2014 freshman year, he received an honorable mention as “Defensive Back Performer of the Week” by College Football Performance Awards.

He blocked a point-after try which proved to be the margin of victory in Alabama A&M’s 37-36 win over Alabama State in the Magic City Classic. Johnson also had an endzone interception and 5 tackles for the Bulldogs in the game.

“Danny was an important member of our football family and a fine student. We ask everyone to join us in prayer for his family and keep them in your thoughts in this time of sadness,” said Head Coach James Spady.

“It is with great sadness that we share the tragic news of Danny’s passing. He and his brother DeVon were two of our first signees,” he said.

Danny and DeVon Johnson were twins. Not only did they both play football for the Bulldogs, they were both on the track team too. DeVon plays as a wide receiver.

“It was fun to watch them in skirmishes playing opposite sides of the ball,” McLaughlin said.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been set. McLaughlin said officials are deciding about a vigil when the students return from spring break.

AL.com reporter Daniel Boyette contributed to this report.

Original article from https://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2016/03/alabama_am_football_standout_d.html, 1/14/2019

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