On The Plains with Tate Johnson: 'So grateful for my time here'

AUBURN, Ala. – Late in Auburn’s 48-14 victory over Louisiana Monroe on Nov. 16, Tate Johnson got the call to play center after playing tight end earlier in the game, necessitating a return to his original jersey No. 54. 

“They brought my jersey out from the equipment room, and I had to do an on-the-sideline wardrobe change, so that wasn’t ideal, but it happened,” he said with a chuckle. “It’s been awesome. This whole tight end experience has been great, I’ve had a lot of fun with it.”

Late in the season, Johnson assumed a larger role in formations when Auburn wanted an extra blocker, requiring Tate to wear No. 42 when he lined up as a tight end, per NCAA roles requiring certain numbers for certain positions.

“That’s been so much fun,” Johnson said. “I didn’t come here to play tight end but at the end of the day, I’ve always been someone who will do anything I can to help the team. It’s been a lot of fun for me to contribute more and let my passion affect the team.”

Playing tight end allowed Johnson to get a moving start, going in motion before the snap, as opposed to remaining stationary pre-snap as he does when playing guard or center.

“That’s the fun part,” Johnson said. “Clearing the way for Jarquez (Hunter), DA (Damari Alston) and (Jeremiah) Cobb to score and getting to meet a linebacker in the A gap.”

Johnson’s blocks helped play a role in Jarquez Hunter move into fourth place in program history in career rushing yards while gaining 1,201 this season.

“Jarquez is the ultimate teammate,” Johnson said. “All three of those guys in the running back room who get most of the carries are phenomenal teammates. It makes it easy and satisfying to block for them.”

Being in the game more also allowed Johnson to share his leadership skills. 

“Having a bigger role has helped with that,” he said. 

A member of Auburn’s 2020 recruiting class, the 6-4, 281-pounder from LaGrange, Georgia, earned the starting center position in 2022 but injured his elbow in the fourth game and had season-ending surgery.

“I worked so hard to put myself in position in year three to start and contribute on the O-line,” Johnson said. “Getting that taken away in one play, it’s tough to deal with.

“It’s part of the process and it happens. I didn’t look at it as it ruined anything for me. It just gave me another opportunity to get better. I looked at it as a challenge and one of those things that shaped me into who I am today. It takes an army. I didn’t do it by myself.”

The transfer portal has freed student-athletes to change programs as they see fit, but through three head coaches, Johnson’s commitment to Auburn remained steadfast. 

“I never had any interest in transferring,” Johnson said. “I always felt like if I was going to develop to be the best version of myself, I had every resource here available to do that. I never looked at my lack of playing time as a university problem. I always looked at it as a me problem. I’ve always had phenomenal coaches and resources here to get better, and I feel like I have.

“This place has given me so much. I’ve loved going to school here. I’ve loved the friends I’ve made here. This place has given me a real shot to develop into the man I want to be.”

A Fall 2023 graduate of Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business, Johnson plans to complete his master’s in finance this spring.

“I’ve never seen anywhere like this,” he said. “It truly brings people together. It’s been special for me to have been a part of that and knowing I’ll be part of that the rest of my life, and I’ll always be part of the Auburn family.

“This place has challenged me in ways I never could have imagined coming into it as a high school senior. This university has shaped me beyond what I could have ever imagined. I’m eternally in debt to this university and everything it’s given me.

“I want people to know how grateful I am. My time here has molded me. I want fans to know I’m grateful for those who come and support us, even when we haven’t had the greatest win-loss record. It means a lot to everyone. 

“I love this place. I love this university. I love the people associated with it. I’m so grateful for my time here at Auburn.”

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer