By Kyle Coppola
South Sumter High’s Rashad Johnson Commits To University of Georgia
Bushnell, FL – The South Sumter High School community is celebrating a landmark achievement as Rashad Johnson, a standout defensive safety for the Raiders, has officially signed to play football at the University of Georgia. This monumental event marks a significant milestone not only for Rashad but also for South Sumter High School and Sumter County.
Rashad Johnson has been a cornerstone of the South Sumter High football team, known for his exceptional speed, agility, and keen football instincts. Over his high school career, he accumulated impressive stats, including numerous interceptions, tackles, and game-changing plays that have consistently put the Raiders in the spotlight. His dedication on the field, combined with his leadership qualities, has made him a beloved figure in the community and a role model for younger athletes.
Coach Chris Gauntlett stated “Proud coach! It’s been fun watching you grow over the years. Get one more year with you until we are all watching you play on Saturday’s! Stat humble, stay hungry! Proud of you Rashad! Go DAWGS!”
The University of Georgia, known for its storied football program and competitive presence in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), offers Rashad an opportunity to showcase his talents on one of the biggest stages in college football. Rashad had stated he wanted to go to one of the best program’s in the country. Now he gets that chance. The Bulldogs’ coaching staff recognized Rashad’s potential early on, extending a scholarship offer that he eagerly accepted. Rashad had offers from Penn State, Louisville, Texas A&M among others.
Rashad’s signing is a source of immense pride for Sumter County, reflecting the strength and talent that exists within the local athletic programs. Many great players have come from Sumter County over the years especially South Sumter High School. Keanu Neal who’s now an NFL veteran just hosted a footbball camp this past weekend where 147 athletes showed up and it was a huge success.
South Sumter’s motto is “Tradition Never Graduates”. So many of these athletes past and present continue to have a profound impact on the school. As Rashad Johnson embarks on this new chapter, the South Sumter High School community stands firmly behind him, His journey from Bushnell to Athens, Georgia, serves as an inspiration to all aspiring athletes in Sumter County, proving that with determination, talent, and support, anything is possible.
Image Credit – @Hayesfawcett3
Congratulations, Rashad Johnson, on your remarkable achievement! The Raiders and the entire community will be rooting for you as you don the red and black of the Georgia Bulldogs. Go Dawgs!
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.
