From the Billings Gazette:
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles ... 4-west.txtAll-state safety Eli Johnson of Billings West signed a letter of intent Tuesday with the football program at Rocky Mountain College.
The 5-foot-10, 160-pound Johnson tied West's single-season record with his 12 interceptions last fall. He also owns the career record at the school with 18 picks.
Johnson's defensive exploits helped West post a 13-0 season record and capture the state Class AA championship.
"I think it's great to get a local kid of that talent and that caliber," said Rocky coach David Reeves. "You always want to keep the best talent here, and sometimes you can and sometimes you can't.
"We're fortunate to keep one of them here right now."
He said Johnson would be looked at as a safety this fall, but didn't rule out the possibility of using him as a wide receiver.
"The guy has great hands and runs well," said Reeves.
Rocky has a recent history of red-shirting a majority of its freshman recruits, but that might not be the case with Johnson.
"I think that he and Ronnie Shanks (of Culbertson-Bainville) will be looked at early in the secondary and we'll go from there," said Reeves.
The Rocky coach also announced the signing of two Culbertson-Bainville players on Tuesday: defensive lineman Trent Panasuk and safety/receiver Luke Mahlen.
The 6-foot, 240-pound Panasuk was a three-time all-conference performer.
The 180-pound Mahlen and Panasuk have both been selected to play in the Class C Treasure State All-Star Game June 3 in Butte.