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PORT NECHES — It didn’t take long for Port Neches-Groves High School legend and current Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson’s football camp to fill up.

The camp, which is slated for June 15, ran out of spots within the first hour it was available.

Johnson, who graduated from PNG in 2019, said it is heartwarming to see the enthusiasm around the camp.

The original count for the camp was supposed to be 250 spots, but organizers decided to double it due to the demand.

“It means to world to, for one, be able to host a camp in my home area, being from Port Arthur and going to PNG,” he said.

“I went to camps for Earl Thomas and Jamaal Charles growing up, and that influenced me, seeing those guys come back and do those camps and seeing them give back. I felt like if I could do a similar thing and influence someone in a positive manner, it is a no-brainer. I am excited to be back home and do something positive.”

Johnson plans to have some teammates from the Bears and some former Texas Longhorn teammates at the camp, too, but declined to say names, yet, as their participation has not been fully confirmed.

Registration for the camp runs from 8-9 a.m. June 15, with camp running from 9 a.m. to noon at Port Neches-Groves High School.

Lance Vaughn, also a PNG grad and the camp’s director, said camp-goers receive a dry-fit shirt. He also added participants and community members who show up will be fed.

Johnson is also hosting a camp with former Texas Longhorn running back Fozzy Whittaker in Del Valle today (April 27).

Following the state champs

While in Chicago, Johnson said he has kept tabs on the reigning state champs, following closely and attending games during the Indians’ back-to-back state title appearances.

“That was a cool thing, especially for that school and community,” he said.

“That community is all about football. For them to go to the state championship and win it, that definitely encourages a lot of young men in that area to pursue football to the fullest. It gives them a lot of confidence. They can win a state title and continue to compete on a state level. I am proud of those guys for being able to do that. It has been a pleasure to watch them.”