Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Coach LaRoi Johnson: Football is my heart. I don’t know what I would have become if it wasn’t for football. It helped mold the man I’ve become today and for that I’m forever grateful.
Joe Gaiter: Was it hard to transition from player to coach?
Coach LaRoi Johnson: Towards the end of my career I started coaching in high school seriously and mentoring younger players while I was playing so the transition wasn’t as bad, but I do miss playing the game every day.
Joe Gaiter: Tell me about your coaching experience at Sto-Rox High School.
Coach LaRoi Johnson: Coaching at Sto-Rox has been great. I love working with the kids and our administration supports our vision for the program. We have outstanding young men who are pushing themselves to become great men as well as quality student-athletes. We are building a program #4daculture
Joe Gaiter: Tell me about your new job as Offensive Coordinator for the West Virginia Roughriders?
Coach LaRoi Johnson: A great opportunity to coach professional football with a great organization outstanding Head Coach Mook Timmerman. Having the opportunity to score 100 points and no one will be upset…. what’s there not to love hahahaha??♂️
Joe Gaiter: Is it difficult to coach two different teams at two different levels? No, Coaching is the same but the expectations change.
Joe Gaiter: How would you describe your coaching style?
Coach LaRoi Johnson Passionate/Discipline/Schematic coach with alot of drip. I am former player that understands the discipline it takes to reach goals. As a player I knew when I started coaching I wanted to be a different leader but instill old school coaching principals but being true to who i am as a person.
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel like you are a better player or a better coach?
Coach LaRoi Johnson: Better coach.
Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be as a player and coach?
Coach LaRoi Johnson:
Player – slow tight end that had some of the best hands/route’s in the business.
Pro Career – Jack of all trades
Coach – He cared more about the development of character than wins but winning is what he does.
Joe Gaiter: When does your season with the Roughriders begin?
Coach LaRoi Johnson: It began March 23 at Wes Banco Arena in Wheeling West Virginia.
Joe Gaiter: Who are some standouts from both teams we should look out for next season?
Coach LaRoi Johnson: West Virginia Roughriders – We’re early in camp but we look like we can be a championship family.
Sto Rox – We have an outstanding senior class coming up Lead by QB Eric Wilson, WR Amahd Pack; DL Myier Woodard; DB’s Jaidon Berry, Darnell Anderson and Dylan Greer .
Joe Gaiter: Do you have any regrets?
Coach LaRoi Johnson: To have a regret is to not appreciate your journey of learning; so no regrets, just lessons learned. Well one…….don’t eat Popeyes before football practice. Lesson learned.
Joe Gaiter: Final words?
Coach LaRoi Johnson: For anyone that may have been doubt in your life, stay patient, make a plan and believe in yourself. Thank you for ya time.
Joe Gaiter:Shoutouts?
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God?
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My family
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Seagirt Street
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Peabody High School Alums
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Sto Rox Family
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412 elite
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Everyone who supports thank you?
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4daculturefoundation
