Roschon Johnson Believes He Holds a Unique Edge Over Competing Running Backs
Roschon Johnson is no stranger to competition. He's cut his teeth sharing the backfield with Bijan Robinson, considered one of the most formidable running backs college football has seen in recent years. Instead of seeking easier pastures, Johnson's competitive spirit shone as he chose to stay and play impressively enough to secure his draft. Yet again, he finds himself vying for snaps against seasoned players Khalil Herbert and D'Onta Foreman in another congested backfield.
However, Johnson isn't deterred. The rookie carries a seasoned aura about him, a combination of his upbringing and the lessons from his time at Texas. What bolsters his confidence, though, is a unique aspect of his football journey. Surprisingly, Johnson didn't start his career as a running back. He revealed the lesser-known part of his story on the Under Center podcast.
"ULTIMATELY, FROM A CHARACTER STANDPOINT, I FEEL LIKE YOU'RE GOING TO GET A LEADER AT THE POSITION WHO HAS PLAYED QUARTERBACK. SO, IT'S KIND OF LIKE THAT ELEMENT OF LEADERSHIP THAT COMES FROM A QUARTERBACK BUT AT THE RUNNING BACK SPOT THAT YOU NORMALLY DON'T GET FROM OTHER GUYS.»
Johnson later provided clarity on why his past as a quarterback gives him an edge.
Must read on LetsBearDown
"RUNNING BACKS AREN'T NECESSARILY TRAINED TO LOOK AT DEFENSES LIKE THAT. IT'S LIKE OK, YOU LOOK AT WHAT FRONT YOU GOT, WHERE THE LINEBACKERS ARE AND YOU CAN KIND OF GET PIGEONHOLED IF YOU'RE NOT USED TO LOOKING AT SAFETIES AND KIND OF JUST THE BIG PICTURE. I STILL LOOK AT DEFENSES LIKE THAT. OF COURSE, THE FIRST THING I'M DOING IS KEYING THE SAFETIES, SEEING WHERE THE ROTATION IS COMING FROM SO I CAN GET A BEAT ON PRESSURE AND GET A BEAT ON LINEBACKER ALIGNMENTS AS WELL AS THE DEFENSIVE FRONT. JUST KIND OF HAVING THAT SAME MINDSET OF READING THE DEFENSE FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, I THINK, HELPS ME DIAGNOSE THINGS BETTER TO PUT MYSELF IN THE BEST POSITION.»
Johnson's viewpoint is indeed a valid one. The NFL is dotted with cases of high school quarterbacks who switched positions and leveraged their background to succeed in the professional league. Notable running backs like Jerick McKinnon, Brian Mitchell, and Michael Bush are prime examples. Also, wide receivers such as Hines Ward, Julian Edelman, and Freddie Solomon managed to excel due to their intellectual approach to the game. Johnson believes he's equipped to follow in their footsteps. Teaming him up with Justin Fields could be like fielding two quarterbacks, both threatening as runners.
A scenario like this has unfolded previously in Chicago. Cameron Meredith, who transitioned from a college quarterback to a breakout star in 2016 with 888 receiving yards, attributed his knack for getting open to his ability to decode defenses. This is precisely what Roschon Johnson can offer from the running back position. With a quarterback's vision, he can anticipate the defensive play, creating on-the-spot responses. This strategy served him well in Texas, and he believes it will hold him in good stead in his professional career too.
Previously on LetsBearDown
| POLL |
JULY 14 | 37 ANSWERS Roschon Johnson Believes He Holds a Unique Edge Over Competing Running Backs Will Roschon Johnson win the starting RB job? |
| Yes | 19 | 51.4 % |
| No | 18 | 48.6 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
Latest 10 stories
