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Adversity hits most high school football players at one point during their careers. It’s how they respond to that adversity that separates the average player from the great player.

In Tison Johnson’s case, he handled adversity thrown his way in a manner a great football player would. And on Friday afternoon, he reaped the benefits of it.

In the Morristown West auditorium, in front of friends and family, Johnson signed to continue his football career at Austin Peay State University.

“This day means a lot,” Johnson said. “I have always dreamed of playing division one football. I’ve worked my butt off to get here, so I am very excited about this.”

Johnson’s recruitment to Austin Peay began following his sophomore season, as the Governors coaching staff reached out to him to express interest. The staff eventually got Johnson to visit the campus, and he was sold on the rest.

“Just the area and the hospitality that they gave me and my family,” Johnson said about what stood out to him about Austin Peay. “They just run things very well up there. When I went up there, I really liked it off the bat.”

It hasn’t been an easy journey for Johnson, as he has battled injuries all throughout his high school career. However, it’s the way that he battled back from those injuries that sets him apart.

“He’s a competitor,” Morristown West coach Alvin Sanders said. “The more you challenge him, the more he responds. Early, there were times that I think it got to him because he was such a competitor and wanted to be out there. But he has a great support group and he kept battling. It just shows the competitor he is. I think Austin Peay is getting a great one.”

Johnson put that competitive attitude on full display his senior season. Finally healthy and able to see things through, Johnson carried the load for West. In the Trojans opening game of the season against crosstown rival Morristown East, Johnson ran for 156 yards and a touchdown in the West win.

Johnson followed that up with a 94 yard and one touchdown performance against Hardin Valley before scoring three touchdowns against David Crockett. Then, against powerhouse Greeneville, Johnson rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns.

Following an 84-yard performance against Daniel Boone, Johnson went for 154 yards and two touchdowns against Cocke County before rushing for a season-high 171 yards and two touchdowns against Tennessee High. Johnson finished the regular season going for 118, 101 and 150 yards against Cherokee, Carter and Jefferson County.

With the Trojans hosting a first round playoff game against Sevier County, Johnson saved maybe his best performance for the brightest stage. In the win over the Smoky Bears, Johnson ran for 165 yards and four touchdowns.

Johnson finished the season rushing for 1490 yards and 22 touchdowns. He was named to the All-Region 1-5A First Team and earned the region’s Offensive Player of the Year award. He was also named the Citizen Tribune Lakeway Area Football Player of the Year.

“My senior year really helped me out a lot just because I wasn’t healthy my junior year but I could really show who I was my senior year,” Johnson said. “When I was able to do that, it really helped me a lot.

“That Sevier County game is probably my favorite game. It was my last game on Burke-Toney Field. That meant a lot to me and was probably my favorite game.”

For Sanders, Friday’s signing meant a lot to him as well to see another one of his players sign to play football at the next level.

“I am just grateful for the University for giving him the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of his, and I am grateful for his parents for giving me the opportunity to coach him,” Sanders said. “I am grateful for his effort and commitment. It hasn’t been an easy road but to see him where he is right now is very special.”

While Johnson played running back his senior season, the Governors will be looking for Johnson to help out in their secondary as a defensive back. While it will be different at first, Johnson said he will be able to adjust fairly quickly.

“I know it will take me a second to adapt, but I know for a fact that with my athletic ability I can do anything I want,” Johnson said. “I think it will take me a second but when I put my drive into it, I will be just fine.”

Before Johnson gets to Austin Peay, he still has a few weeks left of his senior year. During that time, and the summer, Johnson said he wants to work on catching up to the speed of the college game as opposed to the high school game.

However, also during these last few weeks, Johnson will think back on his time at West and all the memories he’s had over the past four years.

“My time at West has meant a lot,” Johnson said. “I’ve had very good coaches and a lot of good people help me get to where I am at.”