Junior defensive back Antonio Johnson has made yet another preseason award watchlist as the 2022 season gets closer and closer, this time landing on the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, which is presented to the best defensive back at the end of each college football season. Over the summer, multiple media outlets have included Johnson on their First-Team lists in both the SEC and the country, and he joins his current teammates including center Bryce Foster (Rimington Award Watchlist), and running back Devon Achane (Maxwell, Doak Walker Watch Lists), in receiving preseason hype.
During the 2021 Season, Antonio Johnson started at the nickel slot corner position, racking up 79 tackles, 1 interception, and 5 pass deflections on the year.
Another one for 2️⃣7️⃣ 👍
Thorpe Award Watch List → @Antonio_johns0n
🔗https://t.co/38noVnAsGB | #GigEm pic.twitter.com/5NHycTJ6zO
— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) July 25, 2022
Going into 2022, Johnson is expected to play at the safety position, utilizing his elite length and athleticism, which will hopefully yield a breakout season for the future NFL draft pick. His role with the Aggies this season will be elevated after the departure of former starting safety Leon O’Neal, as the defense will need Johnson to adequately defend at all three levels of the defense, while possibly still playing snaps at the nickel corner spot in certain defensive packages.
Congratulations to Antonio Johnson for all the preseason love he’s received, and we can’t wait to watch him take the field in the season opener on September 3rd.
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