Career
After college graduation in 2011, Johnson sat out an entire year prior to being granted permission to participate in WVU’s 2012 Pro Day. He was signed by the Steelers organization as an undrafted free agent in March 2012, after his second consecutive Pro Day appearance. Johnson is a 2007 graduate of Centerville High School.
He was a two year starter at running back for the Elks, earning a team record of 20-1 his junior and senior season under head coach, Ron Ullery.
In 2007, Johnson committed to West Virginia University after being highly recruited by Rich Rodriguez, then, Head Coach of the WVU Mountaineers. Prior to committing, Johnson received several full-scholarship offers from Michigan State, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Ohio University, Marshall and Eastern Michigan.
While at WVU, Johnson transitioned from a wide receiver into halfback. His college career concluded with the 2011 National Collegiate Athletic Association Champs Sports Bowl
Johnson was not invited to attend the NFL Combine, and ultimately, went undrafted.
In the following year, Johnson worked while continuing to train for an opportunity to play in the NFL. Johnson caught the attention of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert at the 2012 WVU Pro Day workout.
He was signed by the Steelers.