Sept. 10, 2007

(San Diego, CA) - USD senior quarterback Josh Johnson (Oakland, CA) made his 2007 debut a memorable one as he completed 24-of-28 passes for a personal-best 403 yards and 4 touchdowns in USD's 38-17 win over Marist College this past Saturday. The 403 yards passing was the most by a FCS quarterback this past weekend, and the second-most this season. For his efforts he was named the Pioneer Football League Offensive Player of the Week. It is Johnson's 10th career weekly honor from the PFL, and the program's second this season. Junior free safety Patrick O'Neill was named the PFL Defender of the Week after USD's season opening win over Azusa Pacific. The Toreros are home this Saturday, Sept. 15th, to take on Northern Colorado in a 6 pm contest.

Stated first-year head coach Ron Caragher about Josh Johnson's performance after the team's win over Marist, "He made play after play. The icing on the cake with Josh is above being smart, above having a strong arm, above being accurate and knowing where to take the ball, if they get pressure on him, he's such a great athlete he can get out of trouble."

Against Marist Johnson connected with eight different receivers with touchdown passes going to junior wide receiver John Matthews twice (39 & 80 yards), senior wide receiver Wes Doyle (9 yards) and junior running back JT Rogan (20 yards). Matthews finished with 6 catches for 169 yards and 2 scores, while Doyle 7 balls for 84 yards. Johnson, who is now 23-2 as a starter for the Toreros, also chipped in with 39 yards rushing on 5 carries.

Johnson is closing in on two USD career marks currently held by former QB Eric Rasmussen (2000-2003). Rasmussen has 75 career TD passes and 7,487 passing yards. Johnson's new career totals heading into week three are 74 TD passes and 7,114 yards. He needs just two touchdown passes and 374 passing yards.