Jimmy Johns was home for a few days of rest and relaxation. TheAlabama freshman had helped the Crimson Tide beat Texas Tech 13-10in Monday’s Cotton Bowl.

Johns, a rock-solid 6-foot-3, 240-pounds, was happy to be backin Brookhaven. But outside his home, there were few moments ofpeace. He was greeted, hugged and applauded by well-wishers duringhis brief Thursday afternoon visit to The DAILY LEADERnewsroom.

Advertising rep Glynna Broxson, a devoted Alabama fan, presentedJohns with a small stack of photos she had taken of the Tideplayers during last season’s Ole Miss game. He politely thankedher.

Would he pose for a picture with Broxson’s teenage daughter?

Sure. No problem.

Such is the life of a gifted young athlete who plays for one ofthe most successful football programs in the nation. “It’s likethis all the time at Alabama,” smiled Johns. “You get a lot ofattention. I enjoy coming home.”

Quiet time is at a premium.

Johns’ parents, Charles and Patricia Butler, had faithfullyfollowed him all through his career with the Ole Brook Panthers.They were there at midfield, in Jackson’s Mississippi VeteransMemorial Stadium, after Johns sparked the Panthers to victory overClarksdale in the 2004 Class 4A state championship game.

They were at the Cotton Bowl Monday, along with his two brothersand sister, his girlfriend and his aunt and uncle.

“The Cotton Bowl was exciting,” said Johns. “It was set up likea championship game. We went to a lot of places and had a funtime.”

Johns accounted for four carries and 19 yards rushing in the winover Texas Tech. He also took a snap at quarterback and led theblocking on a toss sweep. He made a tackle on the kickoff team.

“Texas Tech talked a lot and they had the No. 1 offense in thenation,” Johns pointed out. “Our defense played great and shut themdown.”

Alabama’s defense made the difference. According to Johns,senior linebackers DeMeco Ryans and Freddie Roach are the hardesthitting defenders on his team. He expects Ryans to be a third orfourth round NFL draft choice.

Looking at his future, Johns said, “I like my chances at runningback in the league. The Alabama offense is built for runningbacks.”

Johns wound up being the team’s second-leading rusher behindAll-SEC standout Kenneth Darby. A junior, Darby has helped Johnslearn the running back position.

In Alabama’s 10-2 campaign, Johns rushed the football 38 timesfor 202 yards. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry but didn’t score atouchdown.

His favorite game was against Mississippi State. “I got onESPN.”

Playing quarterback, like he did for the Ole Brook Panthers,remains a goal for Johns. “I’ll be learning some more packages atquarterback this spring. I’ll be working in the shotgun and someoption plays.”

Johns said senior quarterback Brodie Croyle helped him improvehis skills. “Brodie showed me a bunch of things. He’s a big leaderfor me and the team.”

Quarterback definitely will rate priority in the spring.Freshman J.P. Wilson (6-2, 215) saw action in 5 games as a backupto Croyle, completing 7 of 11 passes for 98 yards and 2 touchdowns.Wilson had directed Hoover, Ala. to the Class 6A state championshipin 2003.

Two more quarterbacks, Marc Guillon (6-3, 212, jr.) of Chico,Calif., and redshirt freshman Jimmy Barnes (6-5, 225) of LosAlamitos, Calif., also are in the mix.

Johns said he enjoys playing for Alabama head coach Mike Shula.”He’s a great guy. He strives for perfection.”

Asked about his academic life, Johns said he has done well inthe classroom. “I didn’t have anything under a C. I had two B’s and2 C’s.”

Looking back on his brilliant high school career which earnedhim Mr. Football accolades in Mississippi, Johns said heappreciated the example and leadership provided by Ole Brook headcoach Tucker Peavey and his staff. “They taught me discipline.Coach Peavey stayed on my back all the time and prepared me forwhat I got in college.”

For sure, Johns has a successful college football future aheadof him in Tuscaloosa.

Write to sports editor Tom Goetz, c/o The DAILY LEADER, P.O.BOX 551, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or e-mailsports@dailyleader.com