On the Plains with Tate Johnson: ‘Everything I had ever dreamed of’

It doesn’t take long for Auburn students to develop a deep love for their university, and Auburn senior Tate Johnson is no exception. Long before he put on an orange and blue jersey, Johnson had his sights set on Auburn, so when the offer came, the decision was easy. 

“I got into recruiting later than most people,” Johnson said. “I didn't start getting a bunch of big-time offers until my junior year. I had a good high school season, picked up some good offers from a couple of different SEC schools but I was still gunning for the big one. In the spring after my senior football season, I went to a couple camps, performed well and Auburn offered me. 

“I had already been to Auburn a bunch throughout my junior year, so once Auburn offered me, I already knew what it was all about. It is 45 minutes from home, I felt comfortable here and I had been around the Auburn Family my whole life, so it was an easy decision to come here.”

A standout at Callaway High School in LaGrange, Georgia, Johnson led the Cavaliers to back-to-back state semifinal appearances in 2019 and 2020 and earned first-team GSWA Class AA honors. 

“The first thing that drew me to Auburn was the football program,” he said. “I grew up dreaming of playing for a big-time SEC football program. You go to a game in Jordan-Hare Stadium and it just blows you away. That was the most attractive part, just being able to play at the highest level of college football. 

“The second part was the atmosphere around Auburn. A lot of people will tell you that you don't really know what we're talking about unless you experience it yourself. And it's true. The Auburn Family, it was very comfortable. I felt very comfortable choosing Auburn.”

That feeling of home was tested early.  After arriving in January 2020, Johnson’s first seasons coincided with a pandemic.

“I early enrolled that January, and I worked out for two months with the team,” Johnson recalled. “They sent us home the first week of March for spring break and we didn't come back till June. When we got back, everyone was cautious to where it only took three or four positive tests to cancel workouts for three days. It was weird getting the COVID experience. It was nothing like an actual football season, but it was still my first.”

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.”

 

With that support, Johnson battled back, returning to play every game during the 2023 season, earn a start at left guard in 2024 and even swap jerseys mid-game to log tight end snaps late last season.

After the 2024 season, a new opportunity arose as head coach Hugh Freeze asked Johnson to return for a sixth Auburn season as a full-time tight end.

As his Auburn career winds down, Johnson reflects on the relationships that have shaped his time on the Plains. 
 
“I feel like each teammate brings their own pizzazz to the team,” he said. “They bring their own strength to the team. I appreciated everyone that's come through here. I've had so many helpful teammates along the way, so many good friends I've made and friendships that'll last a lifetime. To single anyone out as a favorite would be a disservice, because I've gone through hundreds of teammates and I can think of many guys that I have really come to love and appreciate as friends.”

A December 2023 graduate of Auburn’s Harbert College of Business, Johnson is now pursuing a master’s in finance and plans to work in the financial industry after football. No matter what’s next, one thing is certain — the Auburn Family will always be part of his journey.

“The Auburn Family is a community of people that have your back,” said Johnson. “Auburn people love Auburn and Auburn people love Auburn people. If you have Auburn attached to your name, other people that have Auburn attached to their name are going to go out of their way to help you. And that's just the way it is. That's just how Auburn is. It's community, it's fellowship and it's loving one another.”