© Scott Wachter, USA TODAY
Longhorns RB Roschon Johnson Drawing Day 2 NFL Draft Buzz
Roschon Johnson likely would have been a lead back at any other program that didn't feature a talent like Bijan Robinson. Instead of transferring, Johnson served as one of the top No. 2 backs in the country.
NFL teams know of Johnson's potential and are doing a bit more homework on the former Texas runner entering the NFL draft. According to reports, Johnson had two private workouts, three Zoom meetings and dinner with a team earlier this week.
Johnson, a former quarterback at Port Neches High School (Texas), transitioned roles after then-coach Tom Herman suggested the idea that he'd be more suitable in the backfield due to his physicality. At the same time, Robinson elected to leave Tempe (Ariz.) and head to the Forty Acres.
While Johnson never surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in a season during his time with the Longhorns, his impact was felt internally. Coaches praised the 6-foot, 220-pound bruiser for his attention to detail in pass pro sets, along with his leadership inside the locker room.
“When you talk about what it is a Texas Longhorn player, in my mind I think of Roschon Johnson because he is a selfless player,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said late last season. “He’s not the star or the starting running back for the University of Texas, but yet that doesn’t ever get in the way of his work ethic, that does not get in the way of his approach.
“He does all the little things the right way. Every time I meet with a young player, I always reference, ‘How can you be more like him?’"
Johnson's draft projection currently remains a mystery. Some teams view him as a player with starting upside due to the limited wear and tear on his legs. According to reports, multiple scouts view him as a mid-round talent with immediate potential to carve out a significant role in a backfield on passing downs.
Earlier this month at the NFL Scouting Combine, Johnson posted a 4.58 40-time and a 31.5-inch vertical. Johnson also met with teams during his week in Mobile, Ala. while representing the Longhorns at the Reese's Senior Bowl.
In four seasons with Texas, Johnson rushed for 2,190 yards on 392 attempts and scored 32 touchdowns. He also averaged 7.5 yards per reception and tacked on three more TDs through the air.
Robinson, the reigning Doak Walker Award winner, is projected to hear his name called somewhere in the first round. As for Johnson, depending on his meetings with teams, he too could end up being a top-100 selection come April 28.
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