Texas A&M Football: Antonio Johnson named AP Preseason All-American

Texas A&M football players have had the media’s attention all off-season. Just recently, many players were selected to various sites’ versions of preseason All-American or All-Freshmen teams.

Texas A&M football star Antonio Johnson has been selected to the AP Preseason All-American First Team.

This is a nice addition to the accolade shelf for Johnson as this is about as real as it gets in terms of preseason honors. The star defensive back was listed as a safety rather than a defensive back despite him playing more of a hybrid box/slot role, but I’m sure he will take the win as it is. Johnson was also named a first-team All-SEC player for Pro Football Focus earlier this month as well.

No other Aggies made the cut for the first or second-team, but these aren’t necessary to know the talent this roster possesses. You could argue that Layden Robinson or Devon Achane deserved spots on either team, but they are high-caliber starters regardless.

In 2021, the star Aggie finished the season with 79 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five pass deflections, one sack, one forced fumble, and an interception. He was the clear star in the back seven, even with NFL talents in Aaron Hansford and Leon O’Neal. He also finished with a borderline elite PFF defense grade of 87.9, a coverage grade of 88.7, and a run stopping grade of 89.5.

What makes Johnson stand out, other than his relentless playstyle, is his leadership. He is emerging as not only the captain of the defensive backs, or the defense, but of the team. Players look up to him because he puts the defense on his back. He provides things that don’t show up on the stat sheet.

The stud defensive back is helping keep the Aggies in the national spotlight. He garners attention from opposing offenses on the field, and NFL scouts off the field. Johnson leads an impressive defensive back unit that should match up well against SEC competition.