Franklin Regional grad wins prestigious scholar-athlete award at Washington & Jefferson

Justin Johns does more at Washington & Jefferson than spoil opposing quarterbacks’ Saturdays.

An outstanding student in addition to being a standout linebacker, the Franklin Regional product received a prestigious award to cap his junior year.

Johns was the male recipient of the Paul Reardon Award, given to a student-athlete who “exemplifies excellence in the classroom and athletics.”

Nominees must have a 3.20 cumulative grade-point average and be a key contributor to their team.

The Reardon Award was first established in 1987.

Johns, who has a 3.89 cumulative GPA as an economics and business administration major, has made the PAC Academic Honor Roll three times.

“I honestly didn’t know much about the award when I first received it,” Johns said. “But I knew it was quite an honor once I saw Cassandra Carr was the female recipient this year and incredible student-athletes such as Kyran Mitchell and Joey Koroly had been given the award in previous years. It truly means a lot to be given an award for my work on the field and in the classroom, and I hope to continue that success this upcoming year.”

A Dean’s List student and Alpha Scholar, Johns last fall picked up academic all-district honors from the College Sports Communicators.

Johns was an All-Presidents’ Athletic Conference First Team player last football season. He also made the D3football.com All-Region 2 Third Team.

The 6-foot-1, 220-pound Johns had a conference-leading 102 tackles, six for loss, two forced fumbles, a sack, a fumble recovery and an interception.

He piled up a career-high 18 tackles in a win over Grove City.

W&J finished 9-2 and ended the season with a 35-18 win over Hobart in the ECAC Asa S. Bushnell Bowl.

Johns, who will be a team captain in 2023, also collected the William G. and Belle M. Marshall Prize in economics.

He is a member of the Omicron Delta Epsilon honor society for economics.

Johns said the award gives him a positive vibe heading into his senior year.

“Absolutely, it does.” he said. “But I know there’s plenty of room for growth as well, progression that I need to make in order to help my team become conference champions all while maintaining high marks in the classroom.”