Leon Johnson (wide receiver)

Leon Johnson III
Personal information
Born: (2001-06-12) June 12, 2001 (age 23)[1]
Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Height:6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Weight:207 lb (94 kg)
Career information
High school:Bothell (Bothell, Washington)
College:George Fox (2019–2022)
Oklahoma State (2023)
Position:Wide receiver
Undrafted:2024
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
  • First-team AFCA DIII All-American (2022)
  • NWC Offensive Player of the Year (2022)
  • First-team All-NWC (2022)
  • Second-team All-NWC (2021)

Leon Johnson III (born June 12, 2001)[1] is an American professional football wide receiver who is a free agent. He previously played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys and for the George Fox Bruins.

Early life and high school

Johnson attended high school at Bothell. In his senior season he recorded 24 receptions for 334 yards and three touchdowns. Coming out of high school, Johnson decided to commit to play college football for the George Fox Bruins.[2]

College career

George Fox

In Johnson's first three seasons in 2019, 2020, and 2021, Johnson would only play in two seasons due to the 2020 season being canceled due to Covid-19. However he would tally 55 receptions for 990 yards and nine touchdowns.[3][4] During the 2022 season, Johnson totaled 55 receptions for 1,156 yards and 14 touchdowns en route to being named an All-American.[5][6] After the conclusion of the 2022 season, Johnson decided to enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal.[7]

Oklahoma State

Johnson decided to transfer to play for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.[8][9] In week eight of the 2023 season, Johnson earned his first start of the season where he notched six receptions for 149 yards, as he helped the Cowboys to a win over Cincinnati.[10] In week nine, Johnson tallied five catches for 70 yards as he helped Oklahoma State win the final Bedlam beating rival Oklahoma.[11] During the 2023 season, Johnson recorded 33 receptions for 539 yards and one touchdown.[12] After the conclusion of the 2023 season, Johnson decided to declare for the 2024 NFL draft.[13][14]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 4+3⁄5 in
(1.95 m) 		210 lb
(95 kg) 		34+1⁄8 in
(0.87 m) 		10 in
(0.25 m)		 4.55 s 1.58 s 2.66 s 4.38 s 7.16 s 35 in
(0.89 m)		 10 ft 10 in
(3.30 m)		 06 reps
All values from Pro Day[15]

After not being selected in the 2024 NFL draft, Johnson decided to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent.[16][17] He was waived by the Chargers on August 19, 2024.[18]

References

  1. ^ a b "Leon Johnson III". ourlads.com. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  2. ^ Scott, Marshall (November 7, 2023). "How Leon Johnson III Went from Division-III All-American to Power Five Playmaker". Pistols Firing. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  3. ^ Walker, Jon (November 8, 2023). "'Now is my time': Behind WR Leon Johnson III's unexpected breakout at Oklahoma State". Stillwater News Press. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  4. ^ "Leon Johnson". Oklahoma State University Athletics. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  5. ^ Ruhl, Dean (June 20, 2023). "Leon Johnson III's recruitment a shining example of just how fast the transfer portal moves". Tulsa World. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  6. ^ Ruhl, Dean (November 3, 2023). "Leon Johnson III thought 2022 would be his last year of college football. Now, he's a crucial piece in Oklahoma State's receiver corps". Tulsa World. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  7. ^ Lancaster, Zachary. "Oklahoma State Lands Commitment From D3 All-American Receiver Leon Johnson III". Pokes Report. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  8. ^ Wright, Scott (November 3, 2023). "Leon Johnson III could be a key player in Bedlam, but how did he end up at Oklahoma State?". The Oklahoman. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  9. ^ Unruh, Jacob (November 26, 2023). "Why Mike Gundy says Oklahoma State football fans should be 'thankful' for Leon Johnson III". The Oklahoman. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  10. ^ Unruh, Jacob (October 30, 2023). "Oklahoma State football awaits 'tough decision' on Leon Johnson III's redshirt status". The Oklahoman. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  11. ^ Bush, Braden (November 9, 2023). "Family, friends, former teammates soaking in Leon Johnson III's rise at OSU". O'Colly.com. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  12. ^ "Chargers' Leon Johnson: Adds depth to Bolts' WR corps". CBS Sports. April 28, 2024. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  13. ^ Wright, Scott (March 29, 2024). "Oklahoma State receiver Leon Johnson III hopes 'whirlwind' football journey includes NFL". The Oklahoman. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  14. ^ Kimble, Kade (December 28, 2023). "Leon Johnson III Sends Heartfelt Message to Oklahoma State Following Final Game". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  15. ^ "2024 NFL Draft Scout Leon Johnson III College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  16. ^ Kimble, Kade. "Cowboys Wide Receiver Signs With Los Angeles Chargers as Undrafted Free Agent". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  17. ^ "Los Angeles Chargers Agree to Terms with Undrafted Free Agents". Chargers.com. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  18. ^ "Los Angeles Chargers Announce Roster Moves". chargers.com. Retrieved August 19, 2024.