Over in Minnetonka, the name Keyshawn Johnson does not conjure up images of the former NFL receiver. The 13 year old native is quickly changing perceptions. And while this Keyshawn Johnson does play football, he's gaining notoriety for other reasons.
Wayne Lexvold, head coach of the Minnesota school boy team, had him join the club team without even watching him wrestle.
"Different people told me about him, and we were looking for bigger kids," said Lexvold. "I'm happy that Keyshawn is here."
Keyshawn is 5'11, 188 pounds and is just 13 years old. He carries a number one ranking and placed seventh at the USA Nationals.
"I'll have random coaches come up and say something to me," said Johnson. "It's just sort of fun being known in the wrestling community."
While Keyshawn is a starter on his 8th grade football team, he may be more noted by teachers for his academic prowess.
"When I heard he was the smartest kid in middle school, as a coach, smarts go a long ways as far as wrestling mentality," said . "Understanding what the score is, understanding mat sense, teaching him new things. I think we're going to get along really well."
Johnson is an honor student, and was named as a Minnetonka Scholar for his scores on the SAT's. He took them as a seventh grader, and scored over 1400.
"It is cool being able to know that I can do good at school and be good at sports," said Johnson. "I never thought I'd be this far in wrestling. I just kept working at it, trying to get better and better."
