Note: The following appears in the Wake Forest gameday football program.
In two weeks, senior Denzel Johnson returns to his hometown of Columbia, S.C. with his sights set on a big performance against the Gamecocks. And like every game, his family will be in orange supporting him from the stands.
“I can’t wait for that game in Columbia. I have my whole family down there, so I had to get a lot of tickets. It’s going to be special.”
When Johnson chose to play football at Clemson, it was the family culture that ultimately led him to his decision. Four-and-a-half years later, the defensive back keeps finding himself reminiscing about everything that has made his experience in Tigertown so special.
Even though he waited until eighth grade to start playing organized football, Johnson had dreams of playing the sport on a national stage at an early age.
“One of my life goals was always to play NCAA football.”
The thrill of competing at the college level continues to drive Johnson. He described the most significant moment of his college career during last season’s game at Texas A&M. A tight end ran a corner route, and after working on covering the corner route all week in practice, Johnson broke up the pass in one of his first chances to earn the trust of the coaches in a key scenario.
“In that moment, I was ready, and I was so confident.”
The self-assuredness has followed him into his senior year. After being a part of two national championship teams and nearing the end of his final year, he had the chance to reflect on how he has grown as both a player and person.
“My experience here has been great. It has taught me a lot. I came in blind, but now I know so much more about the important things, like building character, leadership and accountability. Time management is another big one.”
Johnson has also been shaped by the attitude of humility present throughout the football program.
“Coming here and seeing how humble everything is has been something that has stuck with me. If there’s a fan waiting outside the building who wants an autograph, I sign that instead of saying ‘Oh no, I’m good.’ That could change someone’s day. Seeing that other perspective has been big for me. Here, that attitude is the standard.”
With plans to train for the NFL following his graduation in December, Johnson values the support and resources available to him through Clemson football and the lessons he has taken away from his years within the program.
“Time is flying by. I can go back to when I was a redshirt freshman playing cornerback going against Mike Williams, and now I’m teaching these young guys what to do.”