Roschon Johnson acted like a pro before he was a pro
When former Port Neches-Groves head coach Brandon Faircloth first met Roschon Johnson, he knew there was something special.
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The 6-foot-0, 219-pounder was just selected by the Chicago Bears in the 2023 NFL Draft. But a few years ago, Johnson was an On3 Industry Ranking four-star quarterback in UT’s Class of 2019.
“I knew Roschon was special from the first time I saw him at PNG football camp when he was in elementary school,” said Faircloth, currently the head football coach at Sulphur Springs. “He was obviously very talented and loved the game of football. He dominated middle school football games on both sides of the ball.”
When Johnson entered high school, he instantly became a leader and was one of the hardest workers in the program.
“Roschon is the hardest working player I have ever coached,” Faircloth explained. “He was always the first one to the fieldhouse and last one to leave. He never took a day off, and would even be at the field on Christmas Day. He is a man of character and integrity and always puts the team first. This came to light immediately when he changed positions at Texas even after being an All American QB for us at PNG.”
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He entered Austin as a signal-caller, then left a fourth-round NFL draft pick at running back.
“He made everyone around him a better player and even made me a better coach,” said Faircloth. “He was a true blessing in every way.”
In 2019 Johnson rushed for 649 yards on 123 carries, adding seven touchdowns. He also caught 23 passes for 158 yards and a score. Sticking at running back in spite of his own preferences to return to quarterback in 2020, he rushed 80 times for 418 yards and six scores.
In 2021, Johnson became one of the most beloved Longhorns on the team for his vocal leadership and his end-of-season performance. Against Kansas State, Johnson helped the Longhorns avoid a 4-8 record with a 31-carry, 179-yard day versus the Wildcats.
While playing beside Bijan Robinson, Johnson was effective in the 2022 season. He notched 93 carries for 554 yards and five touchdowns, plus 14 receptions for 128 yards and a score. In addition to his standard down work, Johnson was a key figure on Texas’ special teams units.
He is a fan favorite for Longhorn faithful and the members of Inside Texas.
