When Johnny “LJ” Reddick stepped onto the field at Saint Norbert College for his first collegiate football season, it marked a milestone that had been nearly 15 years in the making. From his earliest days with the Del Sol Wolverines in Las Vegas to four high school seasons in Pahrump, Nevada, LJ’s football journey has been shaped by hard work, discipline, and a deep love for the game.
Now a linebacker and defensive end entering his sophomore year at Saint Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin—just minutes outside of Green Bay—LJ is taking stock of how far he’s come and the lessons learned during a challenging but rewarding freshman year.
“I started playing football when I was about five,” LJ said. “I was with the Del Sol Wolverines, that was my team growing up.” His family moved to Pahrump in 2018, where he later became a key part of the Pahrump Valley High School football program. But football wasn’t his only sport. LJ also wrestled and ran track, skills that helped develop his athleticism, agility, and grit—essential tools for any collegiate athlete.
“I think playing multiple sports really helps get you ready for college athletics,” he said. “It keeps you in shape year-round, and each sport teaches you something different—mentally and physically.”
Though he was considering college wrestling opportunities at one point, football ultimately won out, thanks in part to the support and encouragement from friends and contacts. “It was really about the timing,” LJ explained. “I had some wrestling opportunities, but a coach from Saint Norbert reached out and told me to apply. That was a big push that helped me make the decision.”
That decision led him into a whole new level of competition, and with it came a steep learning curve. “The biggest transition from high school to college was realizing that everyone on the team was ‘that guy’ at their school,” he said. “You come in thinking you’re going to play a lot, but you quickly learn that everyone around you is just as good or better. It pushes you to work harder every day.”
Despite the fierce competition, LJ never lost sight of the bigger picture or the people who helped him get there. “My Uncle Trae (Arbet) really motivated me,” he said. “He was drafted straight out of high school to play for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and that inspired me to dream big and push toward playing professionally. He’s helped me grind and stay focused.”
Back home in Pahrump, LJ credits his coaches for laying a strong foundation. “I want to give a shoutout to Coach Walker and Coach Colucci, and the football and wrestling coaching staff,” he said. “They taught me a lot about hard work and really prepared me for college.”
As much as he enjoys the challenge and structure of college football, LJ admitted that there’s a certain carefree spirit he misses from high school athletics. “I think the thing I miss most is just how much more fun it was,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong—college football is fun, but it’s also more like a business. In high school, people were just out there having a good time. It felt more authentic.”
Still, the transition to Saint Norbert has brought many positives, especially the sense of community on campus. “Meeting new people has been my favorite part,” he said. “Everyone is super welcoming, and there’s a great atmosphere here.”
Academically, LJ is pursuing a degree in marketing with aspirations of one day representing a major brand. “My goal is to work with a big-name company like Tesla or something similar,” he shared. “I want to be able to help market a brand that I believe in.”
Balancing academics and athletics is no small feat, and LJ said it took some adjustment to find the right rhythm. “It’s a lot harder than I expected,” he said. “If you throw yourself too much into one thing and ignore the rest, it can throw off your whole routine and success in other areas. I have an academic coach who helped me set up a Google calendar I stick to, and that helps a lot.”
When asked about his long-term plans, LJ said staying at Saint Norbert all four years would be great, but he’s open to whatever path unfolds. “I’m keeping my eyes open,” he said. “If it’s meant to be, God’s going to provide. I’m trusting in that.”
And whether or not his football career continues after college, LJ is confident that the sport will always be a part of his life. “One way or another, I’m going to keep football around—whether that’s through coaching, helping out, or playing. It’s something I love, and I don’t see that changing.”
For now, LJ is focused on training, studying, and continuing to grow. His journey is still in its early chapters, but the work ethic, faith, and community that got him this far continue to guide him toward what’s next.
