Before the season began, the Auburn Tigers still had some work to do on the offensive line. Tyler Johnson, a redshirt freshman at left tackle, plays at a level that probably makes head coach Hugh Freeze and offensive line coach Jake Thornton’s concerns evident.
Johnson is aware that at this point, nothing comes free; one must earn everything. Johnson remarked, “I couldn’t even really explain it to you.” “It’s all paying off after all that hard work during autumn camp. Everything is simply beginning to pay off. After considering his performance against Alabama A&M, Johnson was happy with how his team began the campaign.
“I felt like it was a good first game,” Johnson said. “There was some good stuff I did watching the film and then there was some bad stuff. But it was a good, solid game.”
A redshirt freshman, Johnson has faced a steep learning curve to become a starter in the SEC.
“I would say really becoming a college football player,” Johnson said. “Really learning how to play football, learning the other things besides the offensive line. Learning what the receivers are trying to do and understanding ‘what’s the concept of this run or this pass?’ Just learning stuff like that, just becoming a real football player.”
Johnson discussed the lessons he has picked up from Dillon Wade and Percy Lewis, two of the offensive line’s more experienced players. It helps to have experience in the space. Johnson played with senior transfer Percy Lewis, who joined the squad in January, and now-junior Dillon Wade last season. Because they have played football for far longer than I have, Johnson claimed, “they just pass down any tools they have, any knowledge they have of the game.” “It has been a lot of fun to learn from them,”
Although Johnson is still a young player and has plenty to learn, he believes that at this point in his career, his pass blocking is better than his run blocking. Johnson declared, “I think I’m probably way better in the pass game.” “I can get much better in the run game, but the run game is good.” Johnson is aware of how critical a quick start is to any game. A fledgling offence can benefit from having the Jordan-Hare crowd support it for the entire four quarters.
“We’re just getting started,” Johnson remarked. “If you get off to a hot start, you’re doing very well. You simply carry on for as long as you can. Early in his career, Johnson has the ability to significantly impact the Tigers’ offensive line, and he wants to take advantage of this chance.
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