POLK COUNTY, FL. - Noah Johnson has no time to waste.  

The former Armwood Hawk has one year of eligibility remaining – and he’s taking his talents from Alcorn State to USF.

“He’s a first class kid who does everything the right way,” said Armwood High head football coach Evan Davis, who coached Johnson. “He’ll never be a problem for you, even if he never plays a down and I think he is going to play a lot of downs at South Florida.”

Johnson comes to USF with an impressive resume. He was the 2018 Southwestern Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year and the offensive MVP of the 2018 conference championship game.

But in 2019, Johnson suffered a separation in his throwing shoulder and missed most of the season. After getting a medical waiver for one more season, Johnson knew he only wanted to play at one school – USF.

“I know that it is going to be a true honor,” said Johnson, who is finishing up his second degree at Alcorn State. “I can’t wait to go out there and work with the guys and what I bring to the table and what I have put on film – there is different things that I have done at Alcorn and being able to come back home and work hard with everybody is a true blessing.”

Johnson joins a crowded race to start at QB. It will likely be between incumbent Jordan McCloud, UNC transfer Cade Fortin, and Johnson.

“Leave it all out on the field and compete,” said Johnson. “Competition brings out the best in everybody.”

“He’s going to come out there, he’s going to bring a level of athletic ability that I don’t think they’ve seen in a while at South Florida, at that position, since Quinton Flowers,” said Davis.

This isn’t just a chance for Johnson to start for another team. It’s a chance to start for his hometown team. That’s something Johnson doesn’t take lightly.

“Did a lot of good things in this area,” said Johnson. “I want to come back home and show my efforts and show what I can do.”

“If Noah Johnson’s able to come here, being the homegrown kid, and wanting to be here and doing it all the right way,” said Davis. “Golly what could happen for USF recruiting in this area? He’s going to represent the logo the right way.”