This story is not meant to glorify thug life or teenage pregnancy.

One of my concerns heading into this story was that's how some readers might take it.  This story's purpose is to inform the public on the intriguing background of the life of Kern County's most prolific running back.

There's much more to Julian Dean-Johnson than touchdowns and off-the-charts rushing totals. That's what I aimed for. I wanted to write about what he's had deal with while putting up those gaudy numbers.

Because Julian is one of our area's best athletes, he's somebody to write about. And I could've written a fluff piece and completely avoided the substantial history of his troubled past. But that would only be half the story. Writing stories like these is what puts the news value into the sports section. We can't just act as if Julian is like every other standout football player in Kern. He's not. He's in a unique situation. And that's the story I wanted to tell.

I knew this wasn't going to be easy. Knowing the basic information I knew about Julian -- that he's a teenage dad and that he comes from a poor family and that he was suspended for two games this season for "disciplinary reasons" -- it's not like I could just pull the kid aside after practice and jump into questions about that stuff. I had to make sure he was willing to talk about these things. I explained to Julian how this was his opportunity to explain his actions and let people know what he's about. He understood that and was willing to open up.

I must have spent about three or four hours total over the course of a couple days talking to Julian about his life. He was a nice kid, very respectful and very much open to share his story. Underneath his rough exterior is a playful inside. You should see the happiness on his daughter's face when he gets home and the way Julian lights up too. Like the story said, he seems focused on doing what's best for her from here on out.

Hopefully he does.

-- You can read the story about Julian Dean-Johnson by clicking here.