Windy City Bound: Roschon Johnson drafted by Chicago Bears with 115th overall pick

Running Back Roschon Johnson (2) listens to a coaches advice before participating in the Texas Longhorns' annual pro timing day at Denius Fields on the Universiy of Texas at Austin Campus on Thursday March 9, 2023. Photo: Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Texas running back Roschon Johnson was selected in the 4th round of the NFL Draft with the 115th overall pick by the Chicago Bears. Johnson was the second running back taken in this year's draft, following Bijan Robinson who was taken in the first round with the 8th overall pick by the Atlanta Falcons.

Johnson, from Port Neches (TX), was recruited by the Longhorns to play quarterback.  He selflessly converted to running back in order to help the team when they were thin at the position due to injury. He went on to play in 47 games and started in five during his tenure in the backfield.  Johnson finished his career at Texas ranking 18th on the all-time rushing list tallying 2,190 yards on 392 carries.  He also contributed 26 total touchdowns in his time wearing burnt orange.

He was a team captain and was considered the team's leader on and off the field. He was a semifinalist for the Paul Hornung Award, a semifinalist for the Campbell Trophy, a three-time Academic All-Big 12 First Team member and was an honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference selection last season.

“Ro was the leader of our football team and was a guy that held himself and his teammates accountable each and every day,” said Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. “He’s highly competitive, very mature, and has an unbelievable work ethic. He’s an awesome team guy that beyond all of his speed, power and explosiveness, is extremely tough. He can play all three downs at running back, is excellent on special teams, and he’ll bring a great deal on and off the field to the Chicago Bears.”

Johnson has switched positions, had multiple coaches and even thought about possibly transferring at one point, but stuck it out and gave his all to the Longhorns in a backup role.

“It feels great to kind of reflect on everything seeing how far I’ve come. It’s a special moment to see myself in this position. With all the coaching, and people I’ve gotten to learn from, I feel like I’m more than prepared to go in and make an impact immediately. My time there (Texas) really helped me grow as a person, in all aspects of my character. I’m going to bring that with me whether it’s on the field or off the field, I’m going to take that with me as I go to Chicago.”

With Johnson being drafted, it marks the first time the Longhorns have had two running backs drafted in the same year since 1982 (Rodney Tate - Bengals, Round 4 & A.J. Jones - Rams, Round 8).  He is the 28th player in Texas history drafted by the Chicago Bears, with DE Henry Melton be the latest (2009 - 4th Round).