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Last week, news broke the Matt Viator and the ULM Warhawks had added former Ole Miss commit Josh Johnson from Coahoma Community College. Johnson became the second player in this year’s backfield that had been recruited by SEC powerhouse programs, and fans praised Viator and his staff for going out and bringing him to Monroe.
After researching Johnson and watching his film, I cannot possibly give this team enough credit.
At first glance, Josh Johnson looks every single bit of the 5’11”, 215 pounds he is officially listed at. Before you even start the tape, you see a guy who 100% looks built to carry the ball 25 times a game. I’m not one for first impressions, but Josh Johnson certainly looks like an SEC tailback.
This kid is going to be a stud. With a low to the ground style of play, Johnson is extremely hard to bring down. He is a bruising, physical runner that requires at least two defenders to bring down. Tackling him one-on-one is nearly impossible with the aggression and leg churning with which he runs.
With a powerful running style, Johnson is someone who could very well be a workhorse back in the Sun Belt Conference. But he’s not just a power back; he’s one of the most dynamic runners I’ve ever seen on tape. The speed at which he runs is incredible when you consider his stature. Johnson has game-changing speed, and if he breaks a tackle, he’s got a good shot at taking it a long way. The tailback is also excellent at reading defenses and reacting accordingly, as time and time again I saw him one-cut off the handoff and accelerate through the defense.
Josh Johnson is a guy who can run through, run passed, and run around any level of an opposing defense. His size, power, speed, and cutting ability are absolutely incredible, and he gives this team an incredibly dangerous weapon.
Last season, the Warhawks fielded an offense that was unstoppable through the air, putting up more points per game than any team in the conference. ULM was not nearly as productive on the ground, and if that changes in 2018, you’re looking at easily the best offense in the Sun Belt yet again. Josh Johnson is a late addition to the roster and has a lot of catching up to do. But once he gets up to speed, this is a guy who will certainly jumpstart a rushing attack that needs a spark.