Gabby Johnson is set to make history at Ole Miss as a football manager

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – It’s not often you see females sign college scholarships to join S-E-C football teams, but that was the case recently at G-P-S.

Gabby Johnson signed with Ole Miss as a football manager, where she’s set to make Rebels history.

When an injury halted Gabby Johnson’s athletic career, it did not halt her athletic involvement.

Johnson:”So I just had to stop running track, and then I decided to become a manager because I couldn’t not be around sports.”

At GPS, Johnson has served as the team manager for softball, lacrosse, and basketball.

Johnson:”During practice for basketball. I just run the drills with them, and then I would also help run the clock during practices. And then I would go to every single game, and just help with them.”

The A.D. at GPS told Johnson there were college scholarships for managers.

Next thing you know, Johnson is making history at Ole Miss. She’ll become the school’s first ever female football manager.

Reporter:”Are you nervous?”

Johnson:”Yeah I mostly nervous about getting down there so early, and then just going in there as the first girl. The only girl just being around all guys.”

Being a college football manager sounds cool, but it’s a lot of work and long days.

Johnson:”I know right now they have practice at 8:30, and the managers have to be there at 5:30. So we get assigned a certain position that we will manage. If I’m working with the running backs, I’ll be handing the ball off to them, and then they just do the play that they are supposed to do. We each get our own megaphone, so we’ll be able to yell at the coaches if we need to.”

Speaking of coaches, how often does Johnson hear about Lane Kiffin.

Johnson:”A lot. A whole bunch.”

Reporter:”What’s kind of the question people seem to ask you about Lane Kiffin?”

Johnson:”Probably are you excited? Are you nervous? Are you intimidated by him?”