Detroit Cass Tech’s Donovan Johnson (2) and Donovan Peoples-Jones are honored as 2017 U.S. Army All-Americas during halftime against Detroit King on Saturday, October 1, 2016, in Detroit, MI.
Cass Tech had an especially long halftime during its homecoming contest against King Saturday afternoon, as a couple of Technicians had some business to take care of during the 20-minute break.
Surrounded by teammates, cheerleaders and family members, seniors Donovan Johnson and Donovan Peoples-Jones received jerseys to commemorate their selections to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, which will be played in San Antonio on Jan. 7, 2017. Only the top 100 seniors in the nation are selected, and it’s rare to have two representatives on the same team.
“That’s a goal I’ve been waiting to accomplish and I’m glad I accomplished that,” Johnson said. “I’m actually not sure (how I was selected), it’s just that I work hard and every time I touch the ball I play to the best of my ability, and I thank God for that.”
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But both justified their selections with their play Saturday. Peoples-Jones had three catches, but they covered 69, 83 and 25 yards, the latter two putting the Technicians in first-and-goal situations.
Johnson worked his magic from further back on the field, busting touchdowns from 69 (an end sweep) and 82 yards away (screen pass reception). That play was the longest touchdown of his career.
While the honor is a distinguished one, Peoples-Jones said the timing of the ceremony was a bit curious.
“I tried not to pay too much attention to that, I tried to keep focused on the game,” he said. “The game was the reason the jersey presentation was held here. First and foremost, I had to focus on the game.
“To come out after the halftime and keep that momentum flowing was really big for our team,” he added. “I really give it to our coaches for keeping us motivated and getting us ready to play.”
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Playing in the Army-sponsored All-Star game should showcase both players, neither of whom has announced a college commitment so far.
Johnson said he hopes to indicate his choice “about a week or two after the season.” He has already made an official visit to Virginia Tech, where he said he was impressed with the coaches and the overall attitude. He talked with former Saline quarterback Josh Jackson while there.
Peoples-Jones, meanwhile, hasn’t indicated his leading contenders yet.
“Next year, I don’t know right now,” he said. “It’s a holding pattern. I gotta get a (championship) ring first.”
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