OU recruit set to play receiver for Sooners, but putting big numbers as high school QB

(AP) _ Oklahoma football recruit Manuel Johnson is headed to OU next season as a receiver, the position he starred at in 2003. <br/><br/>But for now he's putting up big numbers at quarterback. <br/><br/>Johnson

Friday, October 8th 2004, 6:19 am

By: News On 6

(AP) _ Oklahoma football recruit Manuel Johnson is headed to OU next season as a receiver, the position he starred at in 2003.

But for now he's putting up big numbers at quarterback.

Johnson has led the Gilmer, Texas, Buckeyes to a 6-and-0 start and a number seven ranking in Texas high school Class Three-A.

Johnson caught 81 passes for 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns a year ago to help Gilmer reach the state quarterfinals and its best-ever record.

His work caught the attention of Oklahoma, where Johnson has orally committed to play.

But Gilmer lost quarterback Derek McKenzie to graduation and coach Jeff Traylor figured Johnson would be more valuable at quarterback.