By ALEX ABATE ~ DAR Sports Writer

With the NJCAA signing period starting this past Tuesday, the Raiders have signed their first recruit.

Marland Johnson, a forward from Meridian High School out of Mounds Ill., officially became a Raider as he signed his letter of intent Tuesday morning.

"I am excited," Johnson said. "I want to get started already."

The Raiders like Johnson, who averaged 16.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game over the course of his senior season and was named to the Illinois All-State Class 1A Second Team for his performance over his final season.

"We think he is a quality young man," Raiders coach Gene Bess said. "They say he is a nice player and plays hard and is well-disciplined."

Johnson is 6-foot-5 and weighs around 220 pounds. He plays the post and can be a force around the basket Meridian High School coach Jeff Mandrell said.

"He is really strong and just relentless as far as his effort," Mandrell said. "He has strength and is a great jumper. Even though he is 6-5, he can jump out of the gym."

With the departure of the 6-6 Jeff McClain, who decided to transfer to Murray State, the Raiders are looking for a post player to replace him as he led the team with more than eight rebounds per game this past season. Johnson just reminds Bess of a determined, solid player no one in particular.

"I don't really compare him to we have had or still have anyone," Bess said. "We think he reminds us of a Raider."

Johnson could play the four spot or the three but wherever he fits into the fold he will give 100 percent, he said.

"What they want me to do I am going to do it," Johnson said. "I want to get better."

His positive attitude is something he will take with him from his high school days, he said.

"I am aggressive and a hard worker, every practice and every game," Johnson said. "I get along with everyone."

Johnson, who scored more than 1 500 career points, drew interest from other schools but liked the idea of playing for a coach with such a successful track record, Mandrell said.

"There were some really strong junior college programs after him, and I think Coach Bess and (Three Rivers') reputation which has been earned has made him feel like he will get the kind of coaching that will develop him as a player," Mandrell said.

As Johnson has a solid post game, he said he wants to work on his shooting at the next level. He will also have to adjust to the tougher opponents and faster pace, Mandrell said.

"The physical play at that level will be an adjustment," Mandrell said. "He will have to adjust to that type of intensity and strength. A high school kid can always improve defensively."

This first signing is one of many to come for the Raiders in the near future, Bess said.

The Raiders have gotten verbal commitments from Bell City's Nick Niemczyk and South Iron's David Prater.

"We have several to get and we have had some verbals and we are now following up on them," Bess said. "We (signed) Marland first and we really like him."