Goldsboro's Johnson likes Gaddy's work ethic

By Allen Etzler
Published in Sports on September 5, 2014 1:49 PM

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aetzler@newsargus.com

A few weeks into summer workouts at Goldsboro High School, head coach Bennett Johnson was driving near Goldsboro Municipal Golf Course.

It was 6:45 a.m.

Johnson saw a kid walking alongside of the road in a pouring rain.

It was his safety Jamal Gaddy. He was making the more-than-a-mile-long trek from his house to get to workouts by 7 a.m.

Gaddy might not be the best player in the Cougars' program, but he certainly showed Johnson something that day.

"I loved that," Johnson said. " It showed me how committed he was to come. Rain, sleet, snow, hail ... whatever. He was committed to getting here and getting better."

Johnson didn't know how much Gaddy would play in Mike Harper's defensive system. He undoubtedly wanted the senior to succeed and saw it happen in the season opener against Franklinton.

A safety, Gaddy scooped up a fumble and returned it 44 yards for a touchdown. The momentum-turning score trimmed the Red Rams' advantage to six points.

"I was so happy for him," Johnson said. "He was around the ball. He's working hard and when you work hard, you play with more energy, you find yourself around the ball more often. You find yourself catching those breaks.

"I hope he keeps that momentum up."

Gaddy has worked his way into getting reps with the Cougars' first-team defense. He has established himself as somebody who can make plays in a secondary that lost all four players from last year's team.

He's done it through his commitment and dedication to getting better, no matter the circumstances. Johnson rarely sees that trait in today's players, but hopes that Gaddy's teammates will emulate his work ethic.

"I can come up with 100 excuses to miss practice or workouts but the fact is you have to be willing to be here no matter what it takes," Johnson said.

Gaddy has improved the cerebral part of his game more than any other aspect. He's picked the brain of Harper and tried to pick up on things that opposing offenses do so he can take advantage.

The Cougars struggled against Eastern Wayne's athleticism and speed. More talented teams await, but as long as he prepares, Gaddy can easily repeat the big play like he made against Franklinton.

"He's stepped up in the maturity aspect," Johnson said. "He's just a kid you hope does well."