NFL Combine: Texas A&M S Antonio Johnson Q&A

Big, physical safety Antonio Johnson of Texas A&M met with the assembled media at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine earlier this week.

Can you describe the different roles you have played such as slot, safety, in the box?

I feel like it prepared me very well because I don't have a set title to my name. It opens a lot of doors for me, places teams can put me at. I feel that's one of my strengths. Teams look for players they can keep on the field in different packages without having to sub.

Do teams see you as having different fits?

Playing different spots in college and coming to the league. They ask me what my preferred position is. I feel that's a blessing because a lot of players don't have that opportunity to be as versatile and have a set spot. Going to a new team I can learn different positions and have a better chance of getting on the field faster.

How is your size a benefit?

My team needed me in a nickel spot. So having a big nickel close to the line of scrimmage who can also help in the pass game is another big body close to the line of scrimmage to help in the run front. But also you have a good defensive player outside to help with the pass game as well. It's an honor and a blessing to put myself in a position like that.

Can you discuss matching up in the slot versus some of the shiftier receivers?

Playing in the SEC you have a lot of great receivers who come through there. Really just challenging yourself week in and week out and holding yourself accountable to those challenges. I felt I did a really good job this year.

Are there any NFL safeties that you enjoy watching?

I like Minkah [Fitzpatrick] and Derwin James, those are bigger-bodied safeties that I feel like I compare very well to.

What specifically do you like about Minkah Fitzpatrick?

His versatility. He plays a lot of positions, makes a lot of plays, you watch his college highlights and he played very well.

What defensive coverages did Texas A&M use most?

We majored in Cover 3 match, Cover 4 match. Those were our base defenses. And also man Cover 1. I didn't play as much at free safety. I played more at nickel but I have reps at free safety, so I still feel comfortable there.

What makes you play with such a high energy level?

You try to have fun on the field. It's contagious. When you're running around making plays it makes the other guys around you want to make plays.

What was it like facing Bryce Young?

Bryce Young is a great quarterback, a very smart quarterback, and doesn't make a lot of mistakes. We had to try to make him uncomfortable so we blitzed him a lot in 2021. That was our way to try to contain him as much as we could.

Who is the toughest wide receiver you have faced?

Probably Jameson (Williams). A great route runner, fast, savvy.

What's a play or two you'd want NFL teams to see?

I would say my interception. I only had one career interception, so I feel like a lot of teams question my ball skills. I feel that'd be the play I'd show them to show I do have ball skills. I was in man coverage. It shows my man coverage as safety.

Do you have a favorite pass breakup?

I'd probably say Arkansas my sophomore year against Treylon Burks. A third-down stop. He was a well-respected receiver in the SEC. As a sophomore going against a top-15 pick it shows a lot about you.

What parts of your game are you focusing on improving leading up to the draft?

Really just pad level. I feel like when I watch myself sometimes I can get high, being a bigger, longer DB, really just focusing on my man coverage. I feel at the next level that's a spot where you've got to be good because there's a lot of good receivers. Really just working on my man coverage.

Who is one person who's influenced you the most?

My mom. She sacrificed so much to get me to this spot right now. I've got to give her all the glory.

What's your favorite play call?

Probably when I blitz. Show man and blitz off the edge. It's fun. I like to hit. When I see that blitz call come in, I get excited. When you're an aggressive safety you just like to play ball. When you get close to the line of scrimmage a lot of things happen to fans and you're just able to be you, play fluid. That blitz call gets you excited, I don't know why.

Are you comfortable playing deep safety?

I have film playing at the free safety spot. Not as much as playing nickel but I know for sure if that's what's needed I can do it no problem.

What is the toughest offense you have faced from a scheme standpoint?

Alabama, just how they run things. They try to run like an NFL offense. Coach [Nick] Saban does a really good job over there making sure his guys are well prepared for each game. 

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