Miles Johnson is headed to play football at UGA

Being able to fulfill a lifelong dream isn’t something most people get to do, but that’s just what happened to Fannin Co. High senior Miles Johnson earlier this week.

Johnson, a four-year varsity football player for the Rebels, announced Tuesday, Jan. 28, on social media, that he was accepting an offer from the University of Georgia to continue his football career.

Johnson said that he received nearly 10 offers, but in the end, the choice came down to Georgia or the University of Memphis.

“It was an opportunity I couldn’t miss out on. I felt like it was the best choice for me,” Johnson said. “My dream, always, was to go play SEC (Southeastern Conference) ball somewhere and out of all places, Georgia is a top-notch school.”

Johnson, who is 6-foot-5 and weight in at nearly 300 pounds, is not just a football player. He played three years of baseball in high school and played basketball until his freshman year. After staying off the court for the majority of his high school career, Johnson joined the basketball team for his senior season.

“Being it was my senior year, I figured it would be good for footwork and keep me in shape. I’ve really enjoyed it,” Johnson said.

He’s not sure if he will play baseball in the spring yet, but hopes to let his teammates and coach know within the next week.

With spring practice at Georgia beginning in May, Johnson said he plans to get to Athens as soon as he can and participate in both spring practice and summer practice, which begins in June.

Johnson said he worked out for the Bulldogs coaching staff two years ago, but most of the coaches he spoke with are now at other schools.

“I met with coach (Kirby) Smart when I was in Athens,” Johnson said, adding that he’s been communicating with linebackers coach Glenn Shumann throughout the recruitment process.

Johnson said that after a phone call from Shumann, during which the offer was extended, it took about an hour-and-a-half before he decided to accept.

“I talked it over with my family and decided it was the best decision for me,” Johnson said.

As for playing football in the SEC, Johnson said “It’s an honor.”

“It’s unbelievable and an indescribable feeling right now. It didn’t sink in to me until I announced it online. It’s an incredible honor and I’m just ready to go and get to work,” Johnson said.

“I just want to thank God. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be able to be in the position I’m in. I want to thank my parents, my biggest supporters,” Johnson said. “I was to give a special shout to my grandmother … she’s like a second mom to me, always there for me. I want to thank my coaches for always pushing me to strive to get better, and my friends as well for always being there for me.”