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Former Rison, Arkansas State, and current Miami Dolphin defensive back Tyrell Johnson will host the First Annual Tyrell Johnson Football Camp July 20, 2012 at Rison Wildcat stadium.

The camp will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will be free of charge for any athletes ages 12-18 (7th-12th grades) who wish to attend.

Johnson, who holds the Sun Belt Conference career records for most tackles (363) and most interception return yards (309), as he also established league records for most yards gained on interception returns in a season (142 in 2007) and most tackles in a game (25 vs. North Texas, 2005), spoke with ArkansasVarsity.com and RedWolfReport.com about the upcoming camp.

"I'm going into my fifth year in the NFL, and it is just time to get something going like this in my hometown," said Johnson. "I just want to give back to the kids, and maybe help train them and teach them about some of the opportunities that I had."

Johnson also spoke about Rison head coach Clay Totty's reaction when he was asked about hosting the camp.

"Coach Totty was all for it," said Johnson. "He was very excited and offered to help in any way that he can. He told me that his coaching staff will do all that they can to help us, and they will do what they need to do in order to help make this camp a success."

"Other people around town are excited about this too," Johnson added. "They are happy that there will be a camp in Rison that will give kids an opportunity to get involved, and maybe learn a few fundamentals about football."

Johnson has a good group of former collegiate players, in addition to several active NFL players who will help run the camp. Camp coaches include:

Johnson gave his thoughts on the staff he has for the camp as well.

"All of the guys we have coming in are big names to me," said Johnson. "We have Kevin Johnson who is one of the best in the NFL and a future Hall of Famer, and Madieu Williams is one of the best defensive backs out there. Shermar Bracy will be there. He was one of the best running backs to come out of Arkansas in his recruiting class, and did really well at Arkansas State. We have Kevin Payne, just several guys who will give the kids something to look forward to."

"All of these guys have worked hard and done positive things in their lives," Johnson added. "That is one of the main things I want the kids to see, that you can work hard, do big things in life, and be positive role models for other kids later down the road."

Johnson spoke more about other things he would like the players in attendance to learn as well.

"I want them to learn that if you compete hard, and put in some hard work, you will have success," said Johnson. "I just want to see the kids come out and work hard at the camp. There will be guys there with natural ability, but if you work hard and compete, you can beat out those guys with natural ability if they are not working hard. The naturally gifted players will grow complacent if they don't work hard, and a guy who puts in hard work will end up beating him every time."

Johnson was recently picked up by the Miami Dolphins after playing four years with the Minnesota Vikings. He also gave his thoughts on how things are going in Miami so far.

"There is a lot of competition," said Johnson. "It's not easy. We have some of the best guys in the NFL at every position on our team. All of the guys are very athletic. I'm just trying to find my niche and separate myself with hard work so I can compete for a spot on the team."