Northwestern wide receiver Cam Johnson had a breakout season in 2023. The Wildcats standout recorded a career-high 50 receptions for 684 receiving yards and five touchdowns. After taking a longer journey that brought him through Vanderbilt and Arizona State, Johnson found his footing at Northwestern.
Johnson recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his time at Arizona State and Vanderbilt, the week-long experience at the College Gridiron Showcase, transferring to Northwestern, and more.
JM: You had a breakout season in 2023. You recorded career bests in receptions (50), receiving yards (684), and touchdowns (5). What led to your uptick in production this season?
Cam Johnson: I really went hard this past offseason. I was coming off of a down season in 2022. I was very motivated to get back on the right track. I was placed in a good situation here at Northwestern. We had a great team in my opinion. We had great weapons on offense. It didn’t allow opposing defenses to key in on any one player.
I felt like that allowed me to showcase the full range of my capabilities.
JM: You were a standout performer at this year’s College Gridiron Showcase. What do you think you proved to NFL personnel in attendance?
Cam Johnson: I tried to focus on proving that I can be a downfield threat. I was running those deep balls and getting behind defenders. I tracked the ball well. I also got open while being versatile. I played out wide and in the slot. I played the slot a lot earlier in my career, but I pretty much exclusively played out wide this past season.
Being able to get back into the slot felt great at the College Gridiron Showcase. It showed NFL scouts that I can do everything they need me to do. That was something I really wanted to showcase.
JM: You probably met with every team in attendance. Did any of those team meetings particularly stand out? Did you get a great vibe from any teams in particular?
Cam Johnson: All of my interviews went well. Honestly, every meeting felt so different. The teams that really stood out, the ones that I felt like really liked me were the Cowboys, 49ers, Ravens, and Titans. I felt like they liked me a lot, they really liked my game.
JM: You’ve taken a winding road to this part of the journey. You previously played at Vanderbilt and Arizona State before finding your footing at Northwestern. How do you look back on the decision to transfer to Northwestern?
Cam Johnson: I’m thankful for the journey I’ve been on. Obviously, nobody comes out of high school and says I want to play six years of college football before getting to the next level. You’re hoping you can play just three or four years before making that jump.
My journey took me on a longer path to reach my dreams. I’m thankful for it. I think it’s made me a better player and person. I’ve had to deal with so many ups and downs. It definitely matured me. When I look at my situation, I’m proud of it.
Coming to Northwestern was the best decision for me. They gave me an opportunity to show what I can do. The coaching staff really believed in me. That was very important to me when entering the transfer portal.
JM: Do you have a favorite route to run?
Cam Johnson: I like running a bunch of routes. This past season, I really liked that Harvey route. It was 12 yards and back to the stem. We called that play a bunch in our playbook this season. The quarterback Ben Bryant and I had a lot of confidence in that route on third down. Ben told me he’d be looking my way coming out of the huddle (laughs).
That was probably my favorite route. I also love running a go route. I love getting open deep. I can go over the top and make those contested catches, or I can pick up yards after the catch.
JM: I love that answer. I’ve appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on Cam Johnson?
Cam Johnson: You’re going to get a guy that comes ready to work every single day. I’m going to be a professional. There won’t be anybody that outworks me. I think that’s super important at the next level. I’m willing to put the work in.
I’ve prided myself on that everywhere that I’ve been. You’re getting a dependable player. I always show up in practice and throughout a game. I’m a big-time playmaker. That’s going to continue being the case at the next level. You’re getting a guy that makes plays. I’ve been a playmaker my entire life.
