Fred Johnson, a former Maury High School football standout and current linebacker for the University of South Carolina, came back to Norfolk this summer to run his inaugural youth football camp at Powhatan Field.
The free camp, held on July 18, 2026, welcomed children aged six to fourteen, offering them a chance to learn drills and receive mentorship from Johnson and other local football figures.
A Homecoming Fueled by Family
Fred Johnson Sr., who watched his son dominate on the Maury sidelines, recalled those early days and emphasized the importance of giving back to the community that helped shape his son’s career.
Yavone, Johnson’s mother, expressed deep pride in her son’s achievements and the impact he is having on the next generation of athletes.
Community Praise
Maury head coach Dyrri McCain highlighted Johnson’s commitment to youth development, noting that his presence at the camp reflects the program’s ongoing tradition of service.
Johnson himself spoke about his ambition to become the nation’s top linebacker, stressing that fun, trust in the process, and hard work are the keys to reaching that goal.
Since his departure, Maury High School has added two more state titles, a testament to the program’s resilience, while Johnson’s camp aims to inspire youngsters to pursue similar excellence.