Stepping up and offering to make the position switch was nothing short of brilliance by RJ.
Opportunities at that level are difficult to come by. He could have remained a little seen, almost nameless player on the sideline for the next 2 years behind Ehlinger with a questionable chance of ever stepping on the field as a QB as Texas continues to sign 4 and 5 star QBs.
Or he could jump in, grab the running back reigns, work hard and show the coaches, team and world what he can do.
And that story is playing out before us. A kid from Port Neches Texas just impressed 100,000 in the Cotton Bowl, and millions on television during one of the greatest football events on the planet.
But the amazing thing is he’s just scratched the surface. We all know he can run more effectively than he’s doing now. That he has another gear that was on display for the first time on that long run.
When he’s settles in with less focus on mechanics such as waiting for blocks, pad level and keeping the ball high and tight, he’s going to break out. He’ll still do all that but more instinctively and naturally, see the field better and reach the second level where he can turn on the jets.
Former Texas great and Heisman trophy winner Ricky Williams was laughing because the entire time on the 58 yard run, the ball was tucked up under RJ's chin and he was running awkwardly.
Obviously Johnson was focused on not fumbling the ball. That’s great but you can’t reach full speed or cut to the best of your ability with that unnatural motion.
All that will change as he continues to gain experience and confidence. His best is yet to come. But he has already shown that he should be the starting RB for the Texas Longhorns. this season and possibly next.
And with that earned respect and confidence from coaches, teammates and fans, he may just step up to the front of the line anyway as the 2021-2022 season starting QB.
Either way he’s living his dream and gaining a great education. And greater things might even lie ahead.
Hook ‘Em RJ.
sportsnaut.com
