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CJ Stroud, Xavier Johnson react to breakout performance, what Johnson means to him

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•09/08/22•

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Xavier Johnson by Getty Images
Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.

When one of the top receivers in the country goes down with an injury, most teams will have a difficult time replacing the production. However, with the position room Ohio State has built up over the years, the next-man-up mentality comes into play. Xavier Johnson was that guy against Notre Dame after Jaxon Smith-Njigba was out.

Buckeyes quarterback CJ Stroud reacted to Saturday’s breakout performance for Johnson, calling him a “hell of a ballplayer.” Stroud listed all of the ways Johnson works hard, both on and off the field. You can tell the two have a special relationship despite being a few years separated.

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“Xavier Johnson is a dog,” Stroud said. “First of all, he’s a man of God. He’s one of the people who keep me in honest in my faith with Christ. That just shows you how hard of a worker he is. One of the first people to take me under his wing when I first got to school. He’s always been a hard worker. He’s kind of crazy in the weight room and he works really, really hard. You would think that man is an animal. But he’s a hell of a ballplayer.”

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Johnson had two receptions for 34 yards on Saturday against the Fighting Irish. However, the most crucial part of the stat line is his touchdown. Coming late in the third quarter, the score wound up being the game-winning one for Ohio State.

Xavier Johnson reacts to his big game vs. Notre Dame

Johnson himself had the opportunity to react, echoing most of what Stroud said. He put most of the credit into his faith after replacing Smith-Njigba.

“I’m a man of God, man,” Johnson said. “That’s my strength. Even going into the situation. I knew it was a big situation. You’re coming in to fill the best receiver in the country’s shoes. I knew in myself and in my flesh, I didn’t have enough in me. So, it was a prayer. I was just transparent with the Lord. Just kind of told him ‘I’m not good enough, I can’t do this. I need your strength.’ And the Lord gave me his strength. I do it all for the glory of God.”