JONESBORO (1/13/09) ? Arkansas State senior tight end David Johnson (Pine Bluff, Ark.) has accepted an invitation to compete in the 2009 East-West Shrine Game, set for a 3:00 p.m. kick Jan. 17 at University of Houston's Robertson Stadium.  The East-West Shrine Game has been played since 1925, making it one of the oldest and most respected of the post-season collegiate bowl games.

Johnson will be the fourth Arkansas State player to compete in the East-West Shrine Game, joining running back Corey Walker (1996), defensive tackle Michael Cline (1985) and offensive lineman Ken Jones (1976).  The Red Wolves have now had a player named to one of the post-season all-star games six of the last eight years, including the last three in a row.

Johnson, competing for the East Team, was an All-Sun Belt Conference selection in 2008 after catching 22 passes for 356 yards and five touchdowns.  His five touchdown receptions led ASU and tied the fifth most in school history for a single season.  He averaged 16.2 yards per reception, which was higher than eight of the top-10 SBC leaders in receiving yards. He caught at least one pass in 10 of ASU's 12 games and posted season-high numbers of four receptions (twice), 87 yards and two touchdowns (twice).

For his career, he has 45 receptions, 760 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns.  His nine touchdown receptions tie the sixth most in school history.  Also an outstanding blocker, Johnson helped the ASU offense to a No. 2 ranking in the Sun Belt Conference in rushing offense and No. 21 ranking nationally.

The 2009 East-West Shrine Game will be televised on ESPN2.