Johnson named to Wuerffel Trophy watch list

Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Anthony Johnson Jr. (26) celebrates against the Oregon Ducks in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The following is a press release from Iowa State Athletic Communications.

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State senior defensive back Anthony Johnson Jr. has been announced as a member of The Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, which honors college football players who serve others, celebrate their positive impact on society and inspire greater service in the world.

Johnson has consistently proven to be a positive influence inside the football program and in the community. He’s done community service projects that include the CyCans Food Drive, bowling with Special Olympians, YSS and the Boys and Girls Club.

He is a four-year starter for the Cyclones while playing in 50 games in his career. He’s earned All-Big 12 honorable mention accolades the last three seasons and is also a three-time Academic All-Big 12 honoree.

Johnson, a St. Petersburg, Florida, native, was Iowa State’s first recipient of the Jack Trice Endowed Scholarship, which is given annually to a Black student-athlete on the football team who is entering his senior year.

The formal announcement of the 2022 recipient is scheduled to be made on Dec. 8, and the presentation of the 2022 Wuerffel Trophy will occur on Feb. 24, 2023.

Johnson and the Cyclones open the season Saturday, Sept. 3 against Southeast Missouri at MidAmerican Energy Field at Jack Trice Stadium. Football season tickets are on sale now for as low as $249 of $35 per game.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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