Palm Beach Lakes quarterback Jordan Johnson thriving after transfer

There are all sorts of reasons given for a high school quarterback transferring, but senior Jordan Johnson took his leap for legacy.

And Johnson's jump from Palm Beach Gardens to Palm Beach Lakes didn't come without risk, as he entered a program that already featured two prominent senior quarterbacks.

Johnson, the surging Rams' signal caller, transferred last spring to follow in his father's footsteps and join a head coach who had played with his uncle and father at Lakes.

"I wanted to help my father continue his legacy that he had here," Johnson said. "It was coming back home for me."

Palm Beach Lakes head coach Turmarian Moreland played receiver and quarterback for the Rams. As a senior in 2001, Moreland shared the same locker room with Jordan Johnson's uncle, a star linebacker nicknamed "Gooch."

Meanwhile, Jordan's father, James Man Johnson, was the eighth-grade waterboy on that Rams team. James Man later took over at quarterback after Moreland went on to the University of Hawaii. James Man eventually moved on to play Division I football at Fresno State.

Now Jordan Johnson is the Palm Beach Lakes star tearing it up after two regular-season games, throwing 10 touchdowns in victories over Seminole Ridge and Sarasota. He has completed 38 of 49 passes for 636 yards and just one interception.

Five touchdowns against Seminole Ridge. Five touchdowns against Sarasota.

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"I didn't know initially," Moreland said. "You go through spring ball and it's tough trying to get him into a new system. I couldn't tell you he'd throw 10 touchdowns in two games with more than 600 yards already. I wouldn't have guessed that."

Moreland, whose son, Turmarian Jr., is a star defensive back, employs a run-and-shoot offense similar to the one used at Hawaii.

"It's his poise," Moreland said of Johnson. "He's seeing it with clear eyes and delivering the football, getting it to the guys on the outside. We throw a lot at Jordan and he's picking a lot of it up."

When Johnson transferred, the West Palm Beach school already had 2025 starter Julian Ayala, who had led Palm Beach Lakes to a 6-4 record and a playoff berth. The program also added Rhode Island transfer quarterback Tashaad Brown.

Perhaps sensing the future, Ayala and Brown both transferred last March. Ayala is now at Saint John Paul, while Brown is at Royal Palm Beach. Once spring arrived, Johnson had locked up the job.

"I had to be transparent. They all were starters the year before," Moreland said. "I had a conversation with their parents that they all would rotate in the spring. They left without me knowing in March. I came back from a cruise in the Bahamas and they were gone."

Johnson was the lone quarterback left standing. Now unbeaten Palm Beach Lakes (2-0) faces its biggest test Sept. 3 against visiting Jupiter.

The Rams, who were 2-8 in 2024 during a bleak period for the program, are back, and it's not just the award-winning band that's top-notch.

"I never saw them," Jordan said of the two quarterbacks. "I'm sure they thought it was better for their careers. I felt the show was going to be mine from the start. It never crossed my mind."

Moreland once thought Jordan's brashness was too much when he first arrived on campus, but now he loves every ounce of it.

"He's very confident in himself," Moreland said. "But he has the ability to galvanize the team with that confidence. He's not a person who's shy."

 The following is a Q-and-A conducted with the loquacious Johnson this week with the Palm Beach Post.

Q: What has been the big difference between Palm Beach Gardens and Palm Beach Lakes?

Jordan Johnson:  “At Palm Beach Lakes, it’s a lot of love. When the football team is good, everybody is good. The band gives us love. It’s what everybody should see. In the hallways, everyone shows love. We just keep fighting and competing and trying not to let each other down. Everytime we score a touchdown, they’re going to strike the band. As long as we keep making plays, the band will not stop playing. Everyone loves the Palm Beach Lakes band.’’

Q: So no regrets? I hear 80 fans drove to Sarasota last week?

 Jordan: “It’s a supportive brotherhood here. Everyone took me in with open arms. It’s nothing but support and love. Everyone should get a chance to experience that, especially as an athlete. There’s no hate. If you’re doing sports , cheer or studying, there’s support here at Palm Beach Lakes High School. That’s what I love about Lakes.’’

Q: Palm Beach Gardens coach Tyrone Higgins left for a college job at Tennessee Tech right before the season? Did you know that was in the works?

Jordan: “I’m surprised he left right before the season – kind of shocked me. High school was going to be ending for him, from past conversations. I feel we have a great bond and he said I can call him whenever. He’s definitely proud of what’s happening (for me).’’

Q: “What’s been the college interest?’’

Jordan: “I’ve been thinking about finishing my season, playing each game to the best of my ability. I’m staying patient. More schools will come rolling in as I finish my season. I’m going to do my best to give myself the best opportunity. Not really focused on college right now.’’

Q: Coach Moreland never expected you to start off with this much of a bang? How surprised are you?

Jordan: “I know the hard work I’ve put in and everyone’s worked collectively as a team. I would say it’s no big surpise on what’s going on right now with the offense. We have a lot of workers around me to allow me to put up those numbers. I don’t feel we have a weakness in my receiving corps (led by  Colorado commit Ryan Ferdinand / Howard commit Hershell Reynolds).’’

Q: You mentioned you wanted to continue your father’s legacy. Your mother also attended Lakes. How has your father influenced you?

Jordan: “My father taught me everything I needed to know. He put me always in the best predicament and gave me everything I needed to know early on. He’s very happy. He knows the job isn’t finished. He’s not shocked. He knows the type of kid I am. He raised me and trained me every day. He keeps reminding me the job isn’t finished and to take everything personal.’’

Q: How do you see the Jupiter game shaping up?

Jordan: “My goal is to win the game and get my team motivated, get them prepared like it’s a playoff game because it’s a district game. I preached all week in practice coming off the Sarasota game, it was a high-level game and we showed all we need is each other. I don’t really care about the stats. I want to see a win.’’

Q: How did you envision the quarterback battle against Ayala/Brown when you transferred?

Jordan: “I know coming into college as a freshman, I’m going to have to compete against older guys so I knew at Palm Beach Lakes, they had two quarterbacks and their starter. Coach Moreland and (quarterbacks) coach Charles (Cornelius) told me you’re just going to have to compete no matter what. (Ayala) was here first so I knew he’d take the first reps. I had to prove why I should be starter and the best quarterback in the county."

Q: What has clicked so much for you?

Jordan: “Game management has been the biggest thing for me. I know what’s going on faster, what can happen on certain plays and understanding what (the defense) is doing. I lost about 11 pounds (down to 215) but gained muscle mass. I’m just making plays. I got a great arm and bring great confidence to my team. That’s my biggest skill – bringing confidence to my teammates."

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach Lakes quarterback Jordan Johnson thriving after transfer

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