Sept. 11, 2007
The following story appears in the September edition of KnightVision. Produced 10 times per year, KnightVision is the official publication of the UCF Athletics Asssociation. Each issue includes stories about UCF teams, student-athletes and coaches. To order 10 exciting issues from August through June, call 1-888-877-4373 (ext. 121) or 336-768-3400 (ext. 121).
Big Man on Campus
At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Sean Johnson would be a formidable presence on the gridiron at Bright House Networks Stadium or on the hardwood at the new UCF Arena. If fans want to see this freshman student-athlete in action, they will have to grab a seat at the UCF Soccer Complex because Johnson can be found in net as goalkeeper for the UCF men's soccer team.
"I think a lot of it has to do with the intimidation factor," said Johnson, who has to special order his size 13 boots. Just don't equate his size with a lack of agility. "For my size, I'm quick so I can close down an attack and I have more range."
UCF assistant coach Paul Nagy, who has worked with talented goalkeepers like Ryan MacIntosh, Marcus Rein and Brian Pope since joining the program in 2005, agreed with Johnson's assessment.
"Even with his size, Sean is quick on his feet and has great body control," said Nagy.
Growing up, soccer was a natural choice for Johnson. His father Everet, who immigrated to the United States from Jamaica some 30 years ago, played the sport. His elder brother Jarrett was also a goalkeeper until he broke his fingers in a friendly backyard game and opted to pursue a career in basketball. He is currently training in Spain before beginning play in a Russian league.
The younger Johnson stayed with soccer and found his way to the position of goalkeeper by circumstance. "When I was about 10-years-old, I was on a trip with a team and our goalkeeper got injured," the native of Lilburn, Ga., explained. "I told the coach that I would step in. I just wanted to be able to do whatever I could to help the team."
He discovered that he felt comfortable at the position and turned his focus toward learning the necessary technique. Later, during his high school career, Johnson returned to the field as a forward. Not only did he contribute to the offense, scoring five goals and adding eight assists for 18 points during his junior year, he also gained a new point of view.
"It helped me out a lot because it allowed me see how forwards think," said Johnson. "From a forward's perspective, you can see how a goalkeeper sets up and what his tendencies are. Now, it's easier for me to think like a forward and it's easier to read shots."
Johnson entered Knights preseason training camp as one of three freshmen goalkeepers competing for the squad's starting job and impressed the coaching staff as a quick study.
"Being a young goalkeeper, Sean had a lot to learn when he came to us," said Nagy. "In three short weeks, he has been able to pick up skills quickly. Where many players often need repetition, he is able to visualize and replicate the skill right away and at a high level."
Johnson also had to learn to take charge out on the field, despite his status as an underclassman. During the team's exhibition match against St. Leo, spectators could hear his baritone voice giving instruction to his teammates.
"The goalkeeper is an on-field extension of the coaching staff," Nagy said. "He has to be able to assess situations, communicate with his teammates and give them direction. Sean had little difficulty undertaking that responsibility."
"My teammates understand the role I am supposed to play," said Johnson. "Because of my position, I have a different view of the field, so it is to their advantage to listen to what I have to say."
Maybe it is his size that enables Johnson to shoulder all that responsibility.
- Cheryl Flesch