Ohio State LT Paris Johnson Jr. honored as Outland Trophy semifinalist
COLUMBUS — Ohio State left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. was named a semifinalist for the Outland Trophy Wednesday night. It’s an award given to the best offensive or defensive lineman in college football.
The preseason watchlist included 89 names. But Johnson is one just seven semifinalists, five of whom are on the offensive side of the ball. The Big Ten accounted for all but three of the semifinalists.
The semifinalists for the Outland Trophy include:
- OT Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
- DT Calijah Kancey, Pitt
- DT Jalen Carter, Georgia
- OL John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota
- OT Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
- C Olusegun Oluwatimi, Michigan
- OL Steve Avila, TCU
Johnson has thrived protecting quarterback C.J. Stroud’s blind side this season after spending last season at right guard. The third-year offensive lineman has allowed just eight pressures in 2022, according to Pro Football Focus. He hasn’t given up a sack since the 2021 National Championship.
He’s spearheaded an offensive line that, as a whole, has conceded a mere seven sacks this season. That’s tied for the third fewest in the FBS. Plus, Ohio State ranks 22nd in rushing offense with an average of 207.9 yards per game on the ground.
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Even though Johnson’s PFF run blocking grade is down 7.6 points from last season, it’s still 75.9, and the 6-foot-6, 310-pound tackle is a big part of a unit that paved the way for a season-high 340 rushing yards last week against Indiana.
Johnson is also known for his work off the field. His foundation, the Paris Johnson Jr. Foundation, was the winner of this year’s Armed Forces Merit Award. Johnson created the foundation while in high school, and it has raised more than $10,000 to help veterans, student-athletes and homeless people.
Johnson is tied for the team lead with 604 snaps played this season.
