After losing Rashard Higgins and Joe Hansley, there is room on the outside for a new star to rise as the face of CSU football. All we have heard this spring is that the coaching staff is looking for inter-team competition and for guys that have the desire and work ethic to leave everything they have on the field.
Sophomore wide receiver Olabisi Johnson has been turning heads in the early stages of spring ball, receiving high praise for the work he put in the team’s offseason program and in the first week of practice.
“I think that our chemistry has progressed, mainly with the younger guys who haven’t had an offseason here yet, like Bisi,” current No. 1 quarterback Nick Stevens told the media after Thursday’s practice.
“Bisi came in last summer and didn’t really have much preparation going into the fall,” Stevens continued. “I think that, and again this is just talking about Bisi specifically, we’ve reached a lot of different levels this offseason.
“I think that he’s grown so much, just going through a little bit of our OTAs, earlier on in the spring, and now in spring ball. He’s doing great, he’s going to be one of our guys this year.”
After receiving limited playing time as a true freshman in 2015, Johnson could be destined for a breakout season in 2016. He caught a touchdown on his first collegiate catch, taking a screen pass 13 yards to the house against Savannah State last fall, but the young receiver did not see much playing time moving forward.
At 19 years old, Johnson may be young in age, but he showed the maturity and confidence of someone much older. “Honestly it’s a blessing,” Johnson said, referring to the praise from his teammates and coaches.
“All the guys have been working me throughout the offseason, because they see my potential,” he told us after practice. “I gotta give it to my teammates, because they’re what pushes me throughout the offseason.”
In 2016, Bisi hopes to take the conference by storm. “I want to lead the Mountain West in receptions, definitely, and yards,” Johnson told BSN Denver. A tall task for the young receiver, but Ram fans might remember a guy nicknamed “Hollywood” who led the Mountain West with 96 receptions as a sophomore in 2014.
Johnson is a constant competitor, always looking to improve his game. He’s the type of player that wants to be the best in every aspect of the game. “Today I had a fumble. I’m trying to improve ball security definitely,” Bisi explained.
“Getting stronger too. Gotta work on the blocking as a receiver corps, because last year we were iffy on it, and perfecting my routes,” the youngster continued. “Last year I didn’t play much, but I was still out there working on the practice field.”
Listed at 6-foot, 185 pounds, Johnson is not the biggest receiver in the world, but his speed and athleticism makes up for the lack of size. Johnson played both ways in high school, and was an all-county track star. As a senior at Bear Creek High School, Johnson rushed for nearly 700 yards, brought in another 400 receiving yards, led the team in tackles (100).
That versatility and knowledge of both sides of the ball gives Bisi an extremely high football IQ coming into college, but Johnson has also benefitted from playing with some of the best wide receivers in CSU history.
“I love Joe (Hansley), I love Rashard (Higgins). Rashard was always on me about keeping my eyes up in routes, and running the guy off. Joe, Joe, his craft, I tried to learn it. I tried to watch his game. He’s quick. He’s small, but he’ll get past you,” Johnson said of his former teammates.
No. 81 clearly possesses the the confidence and athleticism to be a star in the Mountain West. He has hands of glue and the ability to makes defenders miss. His physicality and willingness to block in the running game makes him the type of guy you want on the field for all three downs.
It is no secret the Rams will be a run-heavy offense under head coach Mike Bobo and offensive coordinator Will Friend, but balance is key in a successful offense. Obviously there is much to happen, between now and the fall season, but Johnson is earning playing time with the work he is putting in now.
Not only is he a superstar in the making on the field, but his character and attitude makes him a coach’s dream.
“As a team, I just want to get those Ws. It’s not all about me, so as long as we’re producing wins, I’m good,” Johnson said.
Ram fans should be excited about what this young receiver brings to the team. It would be unfair expect the type of production that Higgins and Hansley contributed, but if anyone has the ability to have a breakout season this year, it’s Bisi Johnson.
