Cody Johnson Texas Starter

More often than not in the game of football, even before a season starts a team typically has a good idea of who it’s starters are going to be. While there are always a few positional battles, typically the base of a team will remain somewhat unchanged. However, every now and then a major surprise comes along, taking a team by storm and leaving them no choice but to give him the job. That is exactly what has happened with the Texas Longhorns, and their running back position.

Cody Johnson, who was used last season as primarily a short yardage and goal line back, began the season third on Texas’ running back depth chart. However, he has gone from last to first in the matter of one off season, as the Longhorns have stated the job is going to be his to begin the season for a team that went to the national championship game just last year. Johnson was considered the third option behind Tre’ Newton and Fozzy Whitaker when training camp began. However, it was Johnson’s never say die attitude that won him the job.

He reported to camp in excellent shape, and impressed coach Mack Brown, who wanted to switch to a tougher new running game. The Longhorns were primarily a passing team in seasons past, and with Colt McCoy gone to the NFL, will need to establish the run to get the offense started. Johnson is 5-11 and a solid 250 pounds, making him very tough to bring down. Though he started only one game last season, he ran for 335 yards, and an impressive 12 touchdowns.