EUGENE, OR — Former Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson has emerged as a dynamic force within the world of college football. He is known for his relentless drive and dedication to perfecting his craft. With aspirations of being drafted into the NFL, Johnson reflects on the people and experiences that have shaped his journey, both on and off the field.
“For me, I just feel like I’m a sponge. I’m trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible,” Johnson told Nitecast Media. He stresses the value of learning from NFL veterans. He cites players such as Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp and Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell—their ability and knowledge of the game, watching their film.
“Just being a smart receiver, knowing where the coverage is, instead of just being fast and running past a guy, is important for me to develop,” he said.
Johnson had great camaraderie with his Oregon teammates and readily discussed their special relationship that will last beyond the gridiron.
“We’re so connected. We all care for each other. It truly is the best thing you can have as a football team.” This togetherness is the basis for their success and has given Johnson a totem to aim for in football.
When you talk about influence, you can’t say enough about what Cooper Kupp, a former Super Bowl MVP, means to Johnson.
“Coop and my coach, Junior Adams, are a big reason I am successful now. Coop sends me videos on how to run a route, and I send him back responses. His perspective as a Super Bowl champion is a resource that can’t be replaced.” Johnson is in awe of Kupp’s ability to game plan, and Kupp has helped show him to change the way he thinks while on the field. “He kind of just helped me understand, like knowing the play before the play.”
He also stressed the importance of hard work and positive energy, a message driven home by a recent visit from powerhouse trainer Tim Grover. Grover, who has trained legends including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade, was there to provide the team with motivational intelligence.
“A guy like that comes in and talks to us, you know he really believes in you,” Johnson said of Grover. He remembers Grover’s advice on keeping energy and effort up.
“I’ve got to be able to work on that every single day. You can’t assume that knowledge.”
Being grounded in a high-profile sport can be hard, but Johnson has developed tactics to help him stay grounded in spite of the noise. “Usually, I get my headphones on … I call my dad and my girlfriend, and they keep me grounded,” he said. These personal relationships keep Johnson comfortable and in the frame of mind to concentrate on his game.
As for his pre-game ritual, which will continue on whatever NFL team he is drafted to, Johnson credits peace and quiet.
“All the lights are off, I put my headphones on, and I just mellow out,” he shared. That’s when he stares into the game ahead of him and begins preparing mentally for whatever challenges await.
“It’s just staying in that game mode but at the same time being just calm with it,” he adds, thinking about the YBT Fatt’s music that keeps him there. With the bright future of his football career on the horizon, Johnson is looking back on his collegiate years with a sense of excitement and ambition while transitioning to the next level as an NFL player. Tez Johnson is already a name to look out for in the years ahead with his learning, growth, and connective mindsets.
