Deep South's Oldest Rivalry a homecoming for Auburn's Jake Johnson

AUBURN, Ala. – It’s a 10-mile drive from Jake Johnson’s high school to Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, where the Auburn tight end will play his next game.

Born in Tallahassee, Florida, Jake and his older brother followed their dad’s NFL journey, from Tampa to Minnesota to Dallas, before the Johnson family settled in Athens when Jake was in first grade. 

Not many elementary school children can say their first football coach was a Super Bowl champion, but Jake can. Brad Johnson quarterbacked the Tampa Bay Bucs to victory in Super Bowl 37. 

“It was really fun to be with your family and play with your friends,” said Jake, who began playing as a first grader. 

In a family of quarterbacks, Jake enjoyed catching more than throwing. As he grew, the 6-6, 245-pounder found a home playing tight end, delighting in the challenge of blocking in the run game and being a weapon as a receiver.

“Having that mixture as a player,” he said. “Having that gritty mindset and are willing to do both. That’s what makes the tight end position special.”

After signing with Texas A&M, where he caught a touchdown pass from his brother, Max, Jake transferred to North Carolina for two seasons, totaling 43 career receptions as an Aggie and Tar Heel while earning a degree in sports administration from UNC.

Through a previous relationship with Auburn assistant linebackers coach Braden Sheldon, whom Johnson knew from their time at Texas A&M, Jake connected with Tigers head coach Alex Golesh and tight ends coach Larry Scott, helping steer him to the Plains for his college football finale. 

“Building a relationship with Coach Golesh. This system has produced a lot in the past with explosive offenses,” Johnson said. “It’s my last year and I want to have as much production as I can, and this is the spot to do it. I thought it would be a great opportunity to come here, and I wanted to go back into the SEC because it truly does mean more. 

“Knowing there’s a staff I could trust, knowing it’s a great school and a great football program, those are the main reasons why I chose Auburn.”

Johnson first experienced Jordan-Hare Stadium from the visitors’ perspective, when Auburn defeated Texas A&M in 2022. 

“People cared. It was a rowdy, awesome environment,” Johnson recalled. “You knew that Auburn was different from a culture standpoint.”

As a senior, Johnson looks to lead with consistency and productivity.

“Being the same guy every day,” Johnson said. “Being an Auburn guy and loving it, encouraging my teammates and trying to lead as best I can whether that’s vocally or by my actions. Being a team player and competing every day.”

Johnson caught seven passes in Auburn’s first four games, including three games with multiple receptions. 

“I’ve really enjoyed being at Auburn with this coaching staff and this team,” Johnson said. “We’ve grinded in the offseason and built relationships. I have a great relationship with my position group.”

Scott, Johnson’s position coach, appreciates what Jake brings to the tight ends room.

“Phenomenal person,” Scott said. “He’s a very good communicator. He comes from great genes. He’s family-oriented and his spirituality is important to him. It gives you a bright spot every day with a guy like Jake. He’s a pro’s pro. He handles himself like a vet, carries himself like a pro, on and off the field. 

“He’s consistent every day. Great smile, brings great energy. A great human being to go to work with every day.”

In his fifth college football season, Johnson knows there’s still room to develop, says Scott.

“He’s much more cognizant of the fine details,” Scott said. “It’s been fun to watch him still have growth moments even with how much experience he has. He’s growing and sees himself getting better so you get the best version of him every day.”

This week, Johnson and the Tigers renew the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry at Georgia, where Jake’s uncle, Mark Richt, coached the Bulldogs from 2001-15. 

Johnson’s dad played 17 seasons in the NFL but might not be Jake’s most athletic parent. His mom, Nikki, set volleyball records at South Florida.

“My parents have never forced me; they encouraged me to do what I love, and that so happens to be football,” he said. “Constantly being around football and sports, it helps. There are always teachers, you can always ask questions. The encouragement my family’s given me and growing in my faith as well. They’ve helped me through my highs and lows, my struggles. Having my family support me is one of the biggest things for me. 

“I really love them and come out and play for them every day. Doing all things for the glory of God and at the same time, giving maximum effort in all that you do is the standard for our family and myself. It’s helped lead me to where I am now.”

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