Cascade Christian's Grant Johnson Follows Family Ties To Whitworth

4/17/2025

(Puyallup, WA)

Cascade Christian quarterback/defensive edge Grant Johnson committed to play football at Whitworth University this past week. Johnson joins his fellow teammate linebacker Josiah Lewis in the upcoming class for the Northwest Conference’s Whitworth Pirates.

Here is the statement from Johnson:

First off I want to give all the glory and thanks to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ. He has been my rock and my cornerstone through this entire journey. With that being said, I am beyond excited to announce my commitment to play football at Whitworth University! I want to thank my family, coaches, and teammates who have been there with me every step of the way.

Excited for this next chapter of my life! Praise be to God for ever and ever, AMEN!

Whitworth Head Coach Rod Sandberg said about the addition of Johnson:

Whitworth Football is so excited about Grant Johnson. He as the qualities that we look for in the recruiting process: Character, Faith, Intelligence, and Athleticism. We feel he will grow into a leader of our team and impact player on the field. Physically, he has a unique combination of size and athleticism. He will be a force to be reckoned as an Edge rusher in our defense. He had a lot of options coming out of high school and we are blessed that he feels called to be a Pirate.

The decision comes as a familiar one for the Johnson household. Tara Johnson, Grant’s mother in a statement said, “Whitworth has such a special connection for our family…both of Grant’s grandparents graduated from Whitworth.” Tara lauded the culture of Whitworth, saying, “the first moment we met with the coaching staff, we knew the program was something special.”

Johnson as quarterback for Cascade Christian threw for 2,809 yards and rushed for 471 his senior year. Defensively Johnson accounted for 99 tackles including 13 sacks.

While the football accolades speak for itself it is his leadership that equally speaks volumes. Athletic Director DJ Heltsley described Johnson as an “enthusiastic and dedicated” leader. Heltsley went on to say, “[Johnson] is eager to lead people down the right path and to make much of the opportunities that God brings his way – whether large or small.”

Johnson joins his fellow Cascade Christian teammate Josiah Lewis in this year’s recruiting class to Spokane. Lewis about having Johnson again as a teammate said, “I’m just excited for the opportunity to put the pads on again with my brother! I don’t view Grant as my best friend he is a brother to me. So to be able to put the pads on another 4 years with him will be a true blessing!”

For a Whitworth team that is coming off a stout 10-2 record, the addition of Johnson is a building block for more success in the Northwest Conference.