As the NFL becomes more of a passing league, the importance of cover safeties near the line of scrimmage has become critical. That’s why prospects like Texas A&M defensive back Antonio Johnson could be one of the best secondary options in the country for the 2022 season.
Even though the draft has just ended, it’s never too early to plan for next season. Focus on professional football has done his homework on the next generation of young talent and seems to be enamored with the potential Johnson brings to the Aggies defense.
In its first ranking, PFF has Johnson as its highest safety at No. 14. Only South Carolina’s Cam Smith (No. 12) ranks higher among all secondary players.
Antonio Johnson
Antonio Johnson
Antonio Johnson
Over the past two seasons, Johnson has become one of A&M’s best defensive players. He mainly takes shots in the slot as the team’s nickel cornerback. In large part, this was engineered by coach Jimbo Fisher to find him a role in defense as a rookie.
Last season in 12 games, the 6-foot-3, 190-pound defensive back had 79 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five pass deflections, one sack and one interception. Of the 799 snaps recorded, 603 came from the nickel while 130 came from the strong safety position.
For his efforts, Johnson was named to the All-SEC Second Team roster. He also caught the eye of PFF, being named a first-team All-America defender. Fisher said this offseason Johnson would see reps in multiple positions, including free safety for the late Leon O’Neal.
Johnson’s game is similar to that of former Baylor defensive back Jalen Pitre. Relying heavily on his tackling skills near the line of scrimmage, Pitre led the Big 12 in tackles for loss with 18.5. He also recorded seven passes defended, 3.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions.
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Pitre served as an anchor for the Bears’ defense, ranking 31st in yards per game in the nation and second in the Big 12. He was selected by the Houston Texans 37th overall in last month’s draft.
Antonio Johnson
Antonio Johnson
Antonio Johnson
Once again, the SEC has dominated the top rankings heading into the upcoming season. Of the top 25 prospects, eleven are from the conference that led the draft with 65 prospects selected. Rounding out the top three are Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and passer Will Anderson, along with Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter.
LSU defensive lineman Jaquelin Roy (#4), Georgia tight end Arik Gilbert (#7), LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (#7), Alabama cornerback Eli Ricks (#15), Georgia cornerback Keele Ringo (#19), Georgia passing passer Nolan Smith (#20) and Kentucky quarterback Will Levis (#25) join Smith and Johnson, completing the top half.
The Aggies open the season at Kyle Field on September 3 against Sam Houston State
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