Athletic Competitions at Universities: A Rolling Examination of Their Events and Participants
A two-year collegiate journey for RJ Johnson has led him to his moment - a golden opportunity to shine with the Colorado Buffaloes football team.
Having shown grit and determination, Johnson is ready to make an impact in the world of NFL-bound talents and experienced defensive peers.
"I've been eagerly waiting for this chance, and I'm grateful for it," Johnson said recently, following a Buffs' spring practice. "Being able to compete during the spring, and Coach Prime, Coach Livingston, and Coach Mathis having trust in me to build my role this season - that's been tremendous."
As projected starter Colton Hood, a fellow Christian Academy alumnus, opted for a transfer to Tennessee, Johnson saw his chances skyrocket. Among the three Eagles Landing teammates who decided to leave the Buffs this spring, only Johnson threw in the towel after the deadline, leaving him with a prime opportunity at CU.
Having seamlessly transitioned from safety to cornerback, Johnson has seemingly secured the front-runner spot for the starting role, with junior DJ McKinney on the opposite flank.
"Moving to cornerback was a natural transition, considering I played the position in high school," Johnson explained. "It was coach Livingston and coach Mathis who approached me last year, and I'm glad I took the leap."
The versatile athlete arrived at Arkansas for the 2023 season, redshirting before playing in one game. His time with the Razorbacks was short-lived, and he transferred to CU last summer. Johnson logged 12 games with the Buffs in the 2024 season, primarily on special teams.
Emanating from a secondary boasting stars such as Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, Johnson was limited to just 33 defensive snaps. However, he finished the year with nine tackles, contributing to special teams.
"Last year, I appreciated the opportunity to play on every special teams unit," Johnson said. "I made a mark on special teams, and that's a crucial aspect to show NFL scouts when you're first starting out."
With the likes of Hunter now gone, Hood having moved on, and McKinney and Hodge shoulder-deep in Buffs' camp, Johnson prepares to compete against senior Ivan Yates and a trio of high-caliber transfers - Teon Parks, Makari Vickers, and Noah King - for the starting role.
Moving forward, Johnson emphasizes leveraging his experience at safety to become a more valuable cornerback, stating, "Being a safety has given me a broader understanding of the defense. I'm even more versatile now, and I'm ready to showcase that on the field."
Stay tuned as Johnson battles for a starting role in the reshuffled defensive backfield. With coach Prime's approval and his own ambition driving him, we may see CU's latest rising star in action.
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- RJ Johnson, a former Colorado Buffaloes football player, has shown great versatility by transitioning from safety to cornerback.
- Johnson is preparing to compete for a starting role in the NFL-bound talents and experienced defensive peers within the Buffaloes team.
- Despite limited defensive snaps, Johnson finished the 2023 football season with nine tackles, contributing to special teams.
- Johnson's time with the Razorbacks was brief, and he transferred to Colorado University last summer.
- Johnson, anticipating a reshuffled defensive backfield, aims to showcase his increased versatility as a cornerback, leveraging his experience as a safety.
