SJV's Johnny Buchanan Headed To University Of Delaware

HOLMDEL, NJ - Saint John Vianney senior linebacker Johnny Buchanan was looking ahead today when he signed his letter of intent to continue his scholastic and football career at University of Delaware.

In a recent profile for Patch, it was said of the 6-foot-0, 230-pound defensive standout that he plays the game the way it used to be played when football was played for the love of the game and nothing else. Buchanan, of Brick Township, is cut out of that same mold - he loves the game with every bone in his body and he proves it with his play, his admirers say.

Now that philosophy will get to crash into the present-day game as it is played in college. Is there nostalgia in that? Only Buchanan can answer that.

Buchanan has been gathering accolades for some time now, in part because he plays the whole field. He's the defensive leader from his starting middle linebacker spot then moves over to offense where it starts in the backfield. He has led the team in tackles and rushing yardage this season.

"That's just my love of the game," Buchanan said last month of his inability to leave the field when there still is playing left to do. "I've always loved playing both running back and linebacker. It's nothing different from when I was six-years old. I've always played both ways and my dad always told me I better perform on both sides of the ball."

"He's just one of those great special players," said Saint John Vianney head coach Derek Sininsky. "When people say a kid loves the game, Johnny truly loves the game. He trains year-round and is always focused on football and Delaware is going to get that. I know he's not 6-4 but don't be surprised if someday you see this kid playing special teams or linebacker in the NFL."

In the Lancers 42-0 win over Brick Township in week four following his 50-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, Buchanan donned a University of Delaware cap to signify his verbal commitment and held up a Delaware T shirt to the crowd before finding his parents in the stands to share the moment with them.

Buchanan has helped Saint John Vianney maintain a 38-game winning streak against Shore Conference opposition dating back to the first game of the 2014 season.

Saint John Vianney has been ranked second in the Shore Conference all season behind Manalapan and is currently ranked 14th in the state.

Buchanan was a 2016 first-team All-Shore pick and NJ.com second-team All-State selection a year ago when he recorded 139 tackles – eighth in the state, 92 solo tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions.

This season he currently ranks 14th in the state with 112 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception while averaging 11.2 tackles per game.

For those of you not used to seeing Johnny Buchanan sitting down, well here you go. Photograph provided by Saint John Vianney.