Johnny Be Good 1988

As the most touted high school quarterback prospect in the country, Johnny Walker (Johnny) finds himself at the center of a whirlwind of college recruitment offers. His closest friend, Leo Wiggins, advises caution, urging Johnny to hold out for the best deal on the table, while his girlfriend, Georgia, pushes for him to follow her to State University and prioritize his education.

The array of colleges vying for Johnny’s attention is nothing short of extravagant, each attempting to woo him with lavish perks: beautiful women, high-performance vehicles, cash incentives, and luxurious living arrangements. One school goes so far as to gift Leo a car, while another offers Johnny male companionship if he’s not interested in the opposite sex. Even his coach, Wayne Hisler (whom Johnny despises), attempts to manipulate the situation by striking a deal with one of the interested colleges to become their next head coach should Johnny commit to their scholarship offer.

Despite possessing the physical abilities and skills that any coach would covet in a quarterback, Johnny is torn between the allure of these offers, the praise he receives, and the attention he’s showered with. His decision-making prowess becomes clouded as he struggles to maintain perspective amidst the chaos. As his family grows increasingly frustrated with his newfound arrogance, Johnny’s mother reminds him not to lose sight of what truly matters.

Seeking guidance, Johnny visits State University and asks the head coach what it would take for him to commit to their program. The coach candidly offers a scholarship, a quality education, and the opportunity to earn the starting quarterback position – nothing more. He warns Johnny that signing with any college offering gifts or money will ultimately lead to trouble, as such transactions violate NCAA rules. However, Johnny dismisses these concerns outright.

As the night wore on, Johnny and Leo found themselves in a motel room surrounded by three unsuspecting young women. Little did they know, their evening was about to take a drastic turn for the worse. Chief Elkans, the local sheriff and Georgia’s stern father, appeared at the scene, summoned by the girls’ false accusations of rape. The tension mounted as Coach Hisler paid them a visit in jail, presenting Johnny with an ultimatum: sign with Piermont University and secure their future, or risk spending years behind bars for crimes they didn’t commit. As Johnny pondered his options, he discovered that Leo’s involvement in the debacle was more than just a coincidence, leaving him feeling betrayed.

The weight of their situation hung heavy as Signing Day dawned, bringing with it an air of anticipation. Coach Hisler summoned the other top prospects from Johnny’s high school team to join them on stage, where he revealed his master plan: a powerhouse Piermont University team, led by Hisler and featuring Johnny at quarterback. When the spotlight landed on Johnny, he chose not to mince words, expressing shame and embarrassment at the spectacle that had unfolded. In a bold move, he announced his decision not to sign with Piermont or any other schools, refusing to let his athletic prowess define him.

The Walker family and Georgia beamed with pride as Johnny stood by his choice, but Coach Hisler was less than thrilled, threatening to take matters into his own hands. As the four prospects refused to follow suit, pandemonium erupted. Suddenly, Floyd Gondole, the NCAA’s top recruitment investigator, appeared on stage, revealing that he had been monitoring Johnny’s situation from day one. A bombshell of an announcement followed: several colleges, including Ol’ Tex and UCC (the first two stops on Johnny’s recruiting tour), Piermont, and others would be under investigation for recruiting violations. The fallout was immediate and far-reaching, with many schools scrambling to salvage their chances of signing the coveted quarterback.

In the midst of the chaos, a sports agent intervened, sparking a melee that threatened to consume the entire scene. But Johnny remained steadfast, walking away from the commotion alongside Leo and Georgia, his dignity intact.

As the story unfolds, Johnny’s pursuit of a new path takes him down a corridor that leads to an unexpected encounter with Ned Sanders, the stalwart head coach of State University. This chance meeting culminates in Sanders’ decision to offer Johnny a coveted scholarship, fueled by the young man’s unwavering dedication to his education and passion for football. With the ink barely dry on his new contract, Johnny embarks on a journey of discovery alongside Georgia and Leo, as they drive off into the horizon, leaving the past firmly in their rearview mirror.

As the credits roll, we are treated to a poignant glimpse into Johnny’s post-recruitment life. Behind the drums, he loses himself in the rhythms of music, yet his eyes remain fixed on the collateral damage inflicted by the recruitment scandal that has left a trail of devastation in its wake - including the former coach who now resides behind bars, a sobering reminder of the consequences of their actions.