Johnson made his collegiate debut at left guard against LSU in 2020 but spent his first two seasons as a backup, steadily improving and waiting for his opportunity. Changing positions to center, Johnson’s chance came in 2022 when four-year starter Nick Brahms retired due to injury.
“Going into that fall camp, I knew I had a good shot at the job, especially with Nick being a four-year starter and not feeling like he could play,” Johnson said. “Once Nick went through the first couple practices and decided to retire, it was really no adjustment. I just felt comfortable. I had been working hard and stepped into the starting role.
“Any question I had about anything, Nick was able to answer it. If I had a question about what a defensive guy was doing, if I had a question about scheme, if I had a question how to go about my business, how to how to watch film or how to do anything, I could go and ask Nick. Nick is one of the most personable teammates I've ever been around. He really went the extra mile to help the next man up and he played a pivotal role in helping me mature as a player. I'm very thankful to have had him as a teammate.”
Johnson realized his dream during the 2022 season opener, becoming a starter for the first time.
“You work so hard to put yourself in that position and once it happens, it can be extremely validating,” he said. “At the same time, you don't want to be complacent. I wanted to perform at a high level, and I loved it. It was everything I had ever dreamed of – going out there, getting my name called on the video board and jogging out there for the first snap.”
Johnson faced adversity four games into the 2022 season, suffering an elbow injury in the Auburn’s SEC opener against Missouri that required season-ending surgery.
“An injury, especially one where my season ended on one play, is so tough,” Johnson said. “You go through a lot of mental battles questioning if you're going to be able to get back to what you once were. I couldn't have done it alone. My teammates, my family and the training staff were so awesome during that time.”