Last season City College running back Stephen Johnson burst onto the local football scene, rushing for 1,376 yards and nine touchdowns on 134 carries in his first season as a starter.

Morgan State, Bowie State and a host of out-of-area schools have expressed interest in the 5-foot-7, 175-pounder.

Johnson spoke with Recruiting Report recently about his senior expectations, battling back from an injury and his recruitment.

You were injured last year, but played through it. Talk about getting hurt and how you’ve responded.

I did have surgery on my right shoulder. Actually I hurt it during the season -- six games into the season -- and I continued playing through my season. After our last playoff game, against Edmondson, I went to the doctor. The doctor said I had a torn labrum and they were surprised I was able to play through it. They said it would take about 6-8 months [to recover], but it took me four.

Are you healthy now?

I’m 100 percent. Definitely.

What else have you been up to this summer?

This summer I’ve been working very hard. If I’m not in the gym, I’m at home doing pushups, staying active. I’ve been running the track a lot, running hills, working with my personal trainer. He works me out in the gym at school. I’m trying to work on increasing my bench. I wake up at nine o’clock in the morning and go somewhere to stay in shape.

What schools have shown the most interest in you?

Northern Michigan, Northern Illinois, Old Dominion, Towson, Bowling Green, Ohio University.

Do you have any favorites?

I really like Old Dominion and Northern Michigan -- they’re my top right now. I like Old Dominion because they’re not far from home and I like Northern Michigan because of the school and they have a lot to offer me.

What do college coaches want to see from you this season?

It’s basically the same thing. They like the highlight tape, but want to see me this season. ... They like my speed. Every college I send it to, they say my speed makes up for my size. They say I run as if I’m a bigger back. ... They want to see me be consistent. They want to see how I do next year because [some running backs will] just be good for one year and then next year they won’t be as good. So I hope to show them that [I‘m a consistent player].

Do you feel like you’ll have to prove yourself to recruiters as a senior in order to get offers?

I never felt like I’ve proved myself enough. I like going over the edge and proving people wrong. This year I’m going to be better. Last year I had almost 1,400 yards. This year I want to go over 2,000.

Click here for Johnson's junior highlights.

Sun photo of Stephen Johnson by Jerry Jackson / Nov. 10, 2007