Darius Johnson: The Irish Ace with a Perfect Grade
Aquinas Institute's Darius Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive end, recorded 12 sacks in 2025, leading the Little Irish to a Section V championship appearance. The Class of 2027 standout's impressive résumé extends beyond the gridiron, however. Johnson maintains a 4.0 GPA, earning him a spot on the New York State Public High School Athletic Association's (NYSPHSAA) Section V Academic All-State team. As a varsity starter, Johnson balances the demands of the classroom and the field, a testament to his discipline and work ethic. When not dominating on the defensive line, Johnson participates in the school's National Honor Society and volunteers at a local food bank. Scouts are watching for Johnson's ability to translate his raw talent into production at the next level, particularly his speed off the edge and his capacity to rush from multiple alignments. His commitment to academics and athletics has not gone unnoticed, with several Division I programs already expressing interest in the talented defensive end.