CB Rankings: Antonio Johnson

November 14, 2021 CFB Saturdays Staff

With the season underway players have had the opportunity to raise their stock and move up the rankings. Before we jump into Antonio Johnson, here’s a few reminders about the rankings themselves:

The rankings will be updated throughout the season.
Players who have not played college football are not eligible for the rankings.
Players are graded on their college ability, not their pro potential.
We are judging players on their film, production and physical tools.

You can view the College Football CB rankings here.

Texas A&M cornerback, Antonio Johnson has been excellent as the nickelback in his second year with the team. The Aggies’ defense has been critical to their success in 2021 and Johnson has been a key contributor for the unit. He has 69 tackles, 7.5 tackle for loss, 1 interception and 5 pass breakups through ten games this season. Johnson is an aggressive player who is becoming a play-maker for the defense.

Johnson has excellent size for a defensive back. He stands 6’3″ and carries 200 lbs well on his frame. His length makes him disruptive in passing lanes, where Johnson has been able to get his hands on several passes. He plays downhill and is disruptive in the backfield, closing quickly on the ball and delivering big hits. He is an aggressive hitter who makes plays in the backfield regularly. Johnson is a versatile defender who is a perfect fit as a nickelback who can be effective against the run and the pass.

Johnson moves well for a player with his size and frame, showing the nimble feet needed to play in coverage. He is a sudden athlete who is explosive in short areas and closes on plays quickly. Johnson is able to take away passing windows with his reach and quickness. He reacts well to where the offense is going with the football, with a good feel for coverage and the offensive play design. Johnson is a proficient defender in all schemes and is able to patrol the second level effectively.

Antonio Johnson has grown in the role as nickelback and has been a key weapon for the Aggies’ defense. He is a good athlete with size and the physicality to put pressure on opposing offenses. Johnson can play the run or pass effectively and has proven to be a good blitzer who times his blitz well and can get in the passing lane even when he does not reach the quarterback. Just a second year player, Johnson is still improving and is becoming one of the best at his position in college football.

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