Sterling Johnson Class: Junior Hometown: Decatur, Ga. High School: M.L. King Weight: 210 Position: BAN Experience: 1L

Furman: Heads into preseason camp listed as the backup to returning starter Julian Hicks at the bandit position...expected to see some action, especially on special teams. 2008 -- Saw action in one game, recording a tackle in the Paladins' season opener versus Mars Hill (62-14 win). 2007 -- Member of scout team...did not see any action...awarded redshirt and extra year of eligibility.

High School: 2007 graduate of Martin Luther King (5A) High School...football coach was Corey Jarvis...played defensive back...racked up 54 tackles, nine pass deflections, and an interception his senior year in helping his squad to a 10-2 record...also starred in track, competing in sprints and relays.

Personal: Full name is Sterling Jarrard Johnson...son of James and Janet Johnson...born November 3, 1988, in East Point, Georgia...has two sisters: Ranata, and Michaela...cousin, Curtis McGee played football at Georgia Tech...another cousin, Chelsea Grimes ran track for Georgia Tech...uncle, Stanley Rivers, coached football at Savannah State...two other uncles, Wil Grimes and Steve Sterling, played football at Albany State and Morris Brown, respectively....undeclared major.