Collin Johnson returning to Texas Longhorns for senior season
AUSTIN — Perhaps no player on this Texas Football team embodied coach Tom Herman’s mantra of “going 1-0” every week more than wide receiver Collin Johnson.
During nearly every player press conference during the season, Johnson came out with a smile, and happily answered what the media had to throw at him as if he was hauling in a pass thrown to him from Sam Ehlinger.
From embracing blocking on the outside, to keeping the wide receiver circle tight-knit through his three years on campus, Johnson fulfilled what it meant to be a proud Texas Longhorn.
Now, Johnson is coming back to the Forty Acres for one more year — his senior season.
“After a lot of prayer and talking with my family, I have decided to return to The University of Texas for my senior year," Johnson said in his announcement. "This will give me the opportunity to accomplish a couple of goals I set for myself the moment I stepped on campus. These include getting my degree as well as helping Texas win a championship. This will also enable me to play one last year with my brother, Kirk, at our dream school! Hook ‘Em!”
The wideout from San Jose, Calif. teamed up to be one of the best wide receiver duos in the nation along with WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey.
He was focused on being a complete receiver all season long, and one more season under his belt should put his name up in the ranks of wide receivers entering the 2020 NFL Draft.
“I don’t think you’re a complete receiver if you don’t block, and neither does this coaching staff,” Johnson told us earlier this season.
Read more: Johnson, Humphrey relish roles blocking as wide receivers
Johnson announced his decision to come back for next season on his Twitter page (@Call_In_Johnson) this afternoon, and fans are beyond thrilled.
So his is quarterback.
Yessir!😍 https://t.co/GYahkUAJRk
— Sam Ehlinger (@sehlinger3) January 3, 2019
Johnson commented on the bonds the wide receiver room had this year, and the way they hung tough through the coaching and culture changes the past few years.
"We are a close group of brothers. We hold each other accountable. We are a group that has been through a lot,” Johnson said. “With the transition between Coach (Charlie) Strong and Coach (Tom) Herman. There is nothing more bonding than going through adversity together."
Johnson finished the season with 68 catches for 985 yards and seven touchdowns, and added a fantastic two-point conversion catch as Texas built a 28-7 lead with 11:49 left in the game. He finished the Sugar Bowl with three catches for 40 yards including a big 35-yard reception, and tons of excellent blocking as the ‘Horns focused on the run.
Sam ➡️ Collin for 2. @Call_In_Johnson @sehlinger3#ThisIsTexas #HookEm pic.twitter.com/Tck8txPBQZ
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) January 3, 2019
From fans to teammates, from offensive coordinator Tim Beck, to fellow wideout John Burt and offensive lineman Calvin Anderson. Longhorn Nation was thrilled to hear Johnson say he’ll be “baaaaaack” as Ehlinger might put it.
YES !!! So Proud of @Call_In_Johnson - not only for who he is on the field, but more importantly, who he is off the field. #bestisyettocome #class #brotherhood #ThisisTexas https://t.co/cTzfOemAMd
— Tim Beck (@Coachtimbeck) January 3, 2019
Yessir!
— John Burt (@JohnBurt_1) January 3, 2019
Applying so much pressure in 2019 😤🏿
— Calvin Anderson (@THE_CONDA25) January 3, 2019
And of course, the Longhorns themselves are looking forward to No. 9 lining up out wide as Texas aims to take back the Big 12 Championship — and more — next season.
Let’s get it @Call_In_Johnson! 😤#ThisIsTexas #HookEm https://t.co/UwEwiBXT1f
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) January 3, 2019
Prior to the Sugar Bowl, Johnson reflected on what he might decide to do. The win over Georgia may have swayed him to stay just as much as his scouting report for the 2019 NFL Draft, as Johnson clearly loved his teammates and being a Longhorn.
"They recommend I stay in school. They have a great committee in place. They have been fairly accurate when you look at it over the past couple of years," Johnson said.
The current-junior showed tremendous faith in Herman, and the 'Horns.
"Coach (Tom) Herman says if we play our best football, we can beat anyone in the nation, and I truly believe that," Johnson said.
Now he and the Texas Football team get to prove that together in 2019.
