Here’s a paraphrased version of the news article:
C.J. Johnson Didn’t Realize UNM Was a Familiar Opponent At First
It took a while for C.J. Johnson to connect the dots.
When the former Auburn safety entered the transfer portal and began hearing from New Mexico’s coaching staff, he was focused solely on finding the right fit. He barely gave a second thought to the fact that Auburn had convincingly defeated UNM, 45-19, in a rainy matchup the previous September.
“At first, when they contacted me and we started talking, I didn’t even realize we had just played them,” Johnson told the Journal.
As conversations with Lobo coaches continued and Johnson dug into his own research, the realization eventually struck him and gave him a laugh.
That twist of fate became part of what he now calls a happy coincidence. Johnson officially committed to UNM last Tuesday, becoming the team’s third defensive addition and fifth overall portal commitment this spring.
The 6-foot-2, 198-pound redshirt freshman arrives in Albuquerque with three seasons of eligibility remaining, having not appeared in a game during his two years at Auburn. He said the decision to transfer stemmed from a shift in Auburn’s defensive system after Ron Roberts was replaced by D.J. Durkin in January.
Originally recruited as a big nickel safety, Johnson said Auburn’s new scheme prioritized smaller, more coverage-oriented players, leaving him out of place in the new setup.
“That’s what it came down to it just wasn’t the right fit,” he explained.
Known for his physical playing style, Johnson believes he’s a great match for UNM’s 4-2-5 defensive scheme. He expects to slot in as a boundary safety but could also contribute at nickel or free safety. His style emphasizes physicality, playmaking, and impacting the game in both the run and pass.
“I love being in run support, covering slot receivers or tight ends, and attacking from the edge on blitzes it really suits me,” he said.
His choice to join UNM also came with some familiar faces. Johnson reunites with two former high school teammates from Paetow High School in Texas running back Damon Bankston and lineman James Bailey. Those connections, along with a clear and honest recruiting process from the Lobo staff, made the decision feel right.
“They laid out exactly what they wanted and how they’d use me,” Johnson said. “They were transparent from the start, and that’s not always common in college football.”
