Johnson High School senior receives All-American jersey

Karsten Battles is Johnson's first US Army All-American Bowl selection

SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour made a visit to Johnson High School on Thursday morning to recognize long snapper Karsten Battles as a 2018 U.S. Army All-American.

“It means all the long nights; all the times I spent in the weight room; blood, sweat and tears are finally adding up to something,” Battles said after the ceremony.

Listed at 6 feet 1 inch tall and 242 pounds, the senior long snapper is Johnson’s first U.S. Army All-American Bowl selection.

“It’s such an honor I’d be able to get to this point in my life,” Battles said when asked about putting on his All-American jersey. “It’s just an honor.”

Battles is the No. 5 long snapper in the country, according to Rubiolongsnapping.com. Long snapping specialist Chris Rubio is considered the No. 1 authority on snappers throughout the world. His help, plus the guidance of the Johnson Jaguars football staff, all helped Battles get to this point.

“My coaches are the best. They never sugarcoat anything, and they just let me know when I need to do something to become better,” Battles said. “I really respect them and appreciate them for that because they’ve developed me into the player that I’ve become.”

Johnson High School honored Battles before classmates, teammates, family and friends at the high school’s auditorium during a pep rally.

“Family is everything, and that’s why I really wanted my football team here because they are my family,” he said. “And just having them here today meant a lot to me. They support me and everything I’ve done so far.”

The 2018 U.S. Army All-American Bowl kicks off on Jan. 6 at noon at the Alamodome.


About the Author:

Larry Ramirez joined the KSAT 12 sports team in October 2004.