C.A. Johnson senior named Richland County Football Player of the Year

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– C.A. Johnson High School senior Caleb Pearson was named the 2023 Richland County High School Football Player of the Year.

Pearson was selected by a panel of voters from Columbia media outlets along with the 17 head football coaches from each high school in Richland County.

During a Dec. 6 ceremony, he was announced as the winner out of seven players nominated for the award.

Unable to make the ceremony due to practicing for an upcoming all-star game, Pearson picked up the award at the Recreation Commission’s office.

Caleb picks up his award for 2023 Richland County High School Football Player
of the Year at the Richland County Recreation Commission’s office December 7.

Photo: Richland County School District One

“It feels pretty good to be named Football Player of the Year. I worked really hard this year. I really stepped my game up from last year,” Pearson said.

He played quarterback and running back on offense and had 2,382 total yards and 28 touchdowns and on defense, he had 50 tackles and two interceptions, say school officials.

As part of the award, the student athlete received a $2,000 scholarship.

School officials say he plans to play football in college, but is still deciding where he wants to play.

“I can’t think of a more deserving guy for the award. It’s a goal for many coaches to have a person like Caleb on their team,” said C.A. Johnson Head Football Coach Scotty Dean.

C.A. Johnson senior Caleb Pearson was named the 2023 Richland County High
School Football Player of the Year by the Richland County Recreation Commission.

Photo: Richland County School District One

In addition to Pearson, six other Richland One student-athletes were nominated for the award:
Evan Artemus – W.J. Keenan High School

Lamar Eddy – Eau Claire High School

Charles Jeffcoat – Dreher High School

Jamel McDaniel – Columbia High School

Albert Perkins – A.C. Flora High School

Marcus Smith – Lower Richland High School