Johnny Carlson is looking forward to U

6-3 quarterback Johnny Carlson of Minnetonka (MN) Hopkins was the second player to commit to Minnesota when he made his decision to become a Golden Gopher back in June. He broke the news to GoldenSports.Net in September that he planned to graduate early to enroll at the university and partake in spring practice. I caught up with Carlson Sunday night after his official visit this weekend.

Johnny Carlson completed 92 of 177 passes (52 percent) for 1,321 yards with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions. He rushed 79 times for 476 (6.0 yards per carry) with nine rushing touchdowns. Carlson led the Royals to a 4-6 mark this season.

Carlson said that he will start school at Minnesota on Jan. 20. He is working to fulfill his high school obligations since the semester does not end at Hopkins until Jan. 26.

He is looking forward to starting school at Minnesota and getting a jump on the competition at spring practice.

“It will be nice to work out and get ready for spring ball. I’m really excited about this.”

Carlson enjoyed his visit this weekend. He ate at Manny’s and J.D. Hoyt's and visited Gameworks. Carlson was hosted by redshirt freshman quarterback Bryan Cupito and freshman offensive lineman Steve Shidell, who is from Coon Rapids.