2023 NFL Draft: Antonio Johnson Reacts to Being Drafted by the Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars added a versatile defensive back with their second selection in the fifth round, taking safety Antonio Johnson.
With the Aggies, Johnson played all over the defensive backfield, with 883 snaps in the slot, 158 as a box safety, 114 as a deep safety, and 33 as an outside cornerback.
This versatility was a huge reason that Johnson was on the radar pretty early for the Jaguars, dating back to the NFL Combine in early March.
“The first time I really talked to them was at the combine,” Johnson told local media. “I had an informal with the Jaguars and you know, just really got to talk to coaches. Talk ball.”
The result of this early interest? Hearing your name called on draft night, a raw moment that still feels surreal to the 21-year-old.
“Man a lot of emotions went through,” Johnson said. “A lot of tears with my family. They’ve just been here by my side throughout this whole process. Like I said, just to get that call and see my name come across that screen man and the delight. A lot of hard work. A lot of dedication. Like I said, God had a plan for me and today was the day and it was to be for me to move down to Jacksonville. I’m blessed.”
One of the top defensive back recruits in the 2020 class, Antonio Johnson earned a lot of accolades on his way to committing to Texas A&M. An East St. Louis native, Johnson was ranked by 247Sports as the No. 4 safety prospect in the country, while also ranking as the No. 78th prospect nationally and the top prospect in Illinois.
Johnson received 25 offers out of high school, with programs such as Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Virginia Tech, and Wisconsin before ultimately committing to Texas A&M.
Johnson played in seven games and started one as a true freshman in 2020, recording 14 tackles and one pass breakup. He entered 2021 as a starter, starting all 12 games and winning the team's Defensive Playmaker Award, recording 79 tackles, five pass breakups, one interception, one sack, one forced fumble, and 8.5 tackles for loss.
Johnson finished his college career as a second-year starter, recording 71 tackles, one pass deflection one interception, one sack, and five tackles for loss.
