By BJ Bennett
SouthernPigskin.com

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When Raymond Johnson debuts in the NFL, he will hit the ground running.

Already having an incredible resume that features four seasons of all-conference play, an All-American senior season and 35 career tackles for loss to go along with 16.5 career sacks, 29 quarterback hurries, six fumble recoveries and two blocked kicks, Raymond Johnson continues to strive for more. The standout end, one of the great defensive players ever at Georgia Southern, has a relentless work ethic and constant desire to compete, win and improve.

That perspective is leading Johnson’s journey to the NFL.

In 2020 season that Johnson is quick to note how grateful he is to have gotten to play, the 6’3”, 270 pound defensive end was often unstoppable. Johnson ranked in the top ten nationally with 14.5 tackles for loss, set a program record with 15 quarterback hurries and helped Georgia Southern both lead the Sun Belt and rank 14th in the country in total defense and pace the league and slot 13th nationally in team tackles for loss. As mentioned, Johnson earned second-team All-American honors from Pro Football Focus.

Among standout performances, Johnson made headlines with five tackles for loss and a fumble recovery against Georgia State to close out November.

“It’s a fun feeling. It’s always fun when you can make plays with your brothers, man,” Johnson reflected. “It’s preparation, you got to prepare for it. And you can’t be surprised when it happens, you have to know it’s coming. I knew that game was coming soon.”

It was yet another season of Johnson wanting to be at his absolute best, a process that has continued this spring. Such is his personal standard.

“My playmaking comes from just that feeling of not being denied. I like to dominate at everything I do and that’s always in my mind, just dominate. When I suit up, it’s dominate. Dominate,” he explained. “As far as the offseason, you have to have that mindset of getting better every year and that’s the mindset I took.”

Ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft, Johnson is training with other top prospects at EXOS in Florida. Among the players he has been working with are former Georgia edge rusher Azeez Ojulari and former Miami defensive end Gregory Rousseau. Johnson is working comprehensively on taking his game to the next level, readying himself for the hard-earned opportunity that he will soon get. Just like with his college career, Johnson, focused on the field and off, is making the most of his current preparations.

During the process, Johnson is learning from and teaching those alongside him alike. That collective camaraderie has proven to be a very real springboard forward. Johnson now has a shared momentum entering the stretch run of the pre-draft process, a boost which means a lot.

“The thing I love about these guys is we all help each other,” Johnson nodded. “I do take skills from these guys. I’m working with ‘Zeez and ‘Zeez taught me his pass club. It’s a crazy move that he has perfected, so I learned that from him. Greg taught me how to work with length, him being 6’7”. And I taught Greg power moves, when to use them, when to throw it. It’s great having these guys around. You teach each other so much and, from a competing standpoint, you really see your game transform to another level.”

For a player who has already accomplished so much, his recent success has come with even more affirmation.

“I always knew I was an athlete, but being around other superb athletes helps you take your game to another level. We’re all feeding off each other and getting better from it,” Johnson added.

Johnson is already a talented draft prospect. Part of his appeal is that he remains committed to being so much more. His productivity, at Georgia Southern, was multi-faceted; Johnson was equally effective against the run and the pass. That specific versatility adds to his overall value. So does his passion for competition. Not only does Johnson find a way to make plays, he is constantly looking to make the next one as well. With Johnson, more is the ultimate measure.

Many mock drafts have Johnson projected to be a mid-round selection. His stock, entering mid-March, appears to be on the rise. Johnson will have his Georgia Southern Pro Day on March 25th on campus, where scouts will get another look at he and other Eagles. With that spotlight will come another chance for Johnson to add to the energy surrounding his potential and profile. Expect teams to like what they see and hear.

Wherever Johnson goes next, all that he experienced at Georgia Southern will remain a leading part of who he is.

“Anyone who knows me knows Statesboro is like a second home to me and I’ll forever be indebted to them,” the South Carolina-native turned Georgia Southern star shared. “Being able to be a part of that history and have an opportunity to play at the next level, give back to this school and continue on the great tradition, it’s a huge honor to me. And I carry myself with pride because of it. It’s not everyday you get to live this dream that most people have. I’ve very blessed for it.”

Statesboro to Sundays, Johnson has earned his every opportunity, this next one included. All that he has done has set the stage for all that is to come. Johnson leaves Georgia Southern with experience and expectations.

When Johnson debuts in the NFL, he will hit the ground running.

“Whatever team selects me, just know they are getting a stud. And that’s not cockiness, that’s from humbleness and confidence and readiness. I’ve been waiting on this moment, man,” he concluded. “Whatever team gets me, just know I’m coming to work, I’m laying it down, everything I got, I’m putting it all on the line.”

Johnson is ready for the NFL Draft; ready and still working. He believes in himself and he, fresh off a season and a career for the record books, certainly should. The resume is one that stands out. With Johnson, so, too, does his mindset and his motivation.