Ayrton Oneill
Will Johnson is the name of both a basketball player and an American football cornerback. The basketball player, William Johnson, was born in Houston, Texas, and played for the Houston Rockets after being selected in the 1975 NBA Draft. The American football cornerback, also named William Johnson, was born in Detroit, Michigan, and played for the Michigan Wolverines. He was a two-time All-American and won the national championship in 2023, earning the defensive MVP award. He declared for the 2025 NFL draft.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Johnson |
| Nickname | Will Johnson |
| Sport | Basketball, American Football |
| Position | Guard, Cornerback |
| Date of Birth | 29 March 2003 |
| Height | 6-6 (198 cm) |
| Weight | 220 lbs (99 kg) |
| Teams | Oregon Ducks, Michigan Wolverines, Houston Rockets |
| Awards | Team Defensive Freshman of the Year, True Freshman All-America, First-team All-Big Ten, First-team All-American, Second-team All-American, National Championship Defensive MVP |
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What You'll Learn
William Johnson's career in basketball
William Johnson, standing at 6-foot-6 (198 cm) and weighing 220 lbs (99 kg), began his basketball career when he was drafted by his hometown team, the Houston Rockets, in the 6th round of the 1975 NBA Draft. Johnson was the 11th pick overall, marking a significant moment for the Texas Tech attendee.
Johnson's selection by the Houston Rockets marked a new chapter in his athletic journey, transitioning from college basketball to the professional league. As the 101st overall pick in the 1975 NBA Draft, Johnson embarked on a path to establish himself among the league's elite players.
Although little information is available on the specifics of Johnson's career with the Houston Rockets, his selection by the team underscores his potential and talent as a basketball player. The Houston Rockets recognized Johnson's abilities, especially given their renowned reputation for scouting and developing talented players.
Unfortunately, the available sources do not provide an in-depth account of Johnson's performance or the duration of his career with the Houston Rockets. However, his draft selection as the 11th pick overall highlights the promise and potential that scouts and basketball enthusiasts recognized in his playing abilities.
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Johnson's football career as a cornerback
Will Johnson, born on March 29, 2003, in Detroit, Michigan, is an American football cornerback. He enrolled at the University of Michigan in 2022 and made an immediate impact, appearing in all 14 games as a true freshman and recording 27 tackles and three interceptions. Johnson was named team defensive freshman of the year and selected to the True Freshman All-America team.
In his sophomore season, Johnson truly emerged as an elite defender, earning First-Team All-American honors and leading Michigan's championship run as the defensive MVP. He recorded his first career interception against Rutgers and had a two-interception performance in the Big Ten Championship Game victory over Purdue. Johnson also demonstrated his versatility by playing in a variety of coverages and showcasing his ball skills and athleticism.
Johnson's junior year solidified his status as one of college football's top corners. Despite missing time with a turf toe injury, he still managed to record two interceptions returned for touchdowns and earned second-team All-American honors. Over his three years at Michigan, Johnson accumulated 68 tackles, 19 passes defended, and nine interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns. He finished his college career with two Big Ten championships and was a two-time All-American.
Johnson's combination of size, football IQ, and competitive fire makes him a scheme-proof defender who can match up with the league's evolving receiver archetypes. His fluid hips and patient technique allow him to cover a wide range of receivers. Johnson declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, where he is projected as a potential first-round pick.
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Johnson's high school and college career
Will Johnson, a basketball player with impressive natural athleticism, showcased his prowess both in high school and later during his college career. While in high school, Johnson excelled as a receiver, demonstrating an exceptional ability to track and play the ball in the air. His skills extended to a variety of coverages, showcasing his versatility on the court. Notably, Johnson's ball-handling capabilities proved particularly valuable when playing in the deep zone.
Although there are no verified speed timings for Johnson, reports indicate that he kept pace with his high school peers, never falling behind during games or events. Johnson's unusual size presented him with the advantage of positional flexibility, allowing him to move around and play in different slots. His primary projection, however, is as a big outside cornerback.
Transitioning to college, Johnson joined the Michigan Wolverines, where he continued to impress. His combination of size, experience, ball skills, and intelligence set him apart. Johnson's defensive capabilities were enhanced by his high school receiver skills, enabling him to excel in a range of coverages. While he primarily projects as a big outside cornerback, his size and skills open up possibilities for slot or safety positions as well.
Overall, Will Johnson's high school and college career highlighted his natural athletic abilities, defensive prowess, and versatility on the basketball court. His performance suggested that he had the tools necessary to compete early in his college career and potentially beyond.
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Johnson's accolades and awards
Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is a former professional basketball player and is often regarded as the greatest point guard of all time. Johnson spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Johnson introduced a fast-paced style of basketball called "Showtime", which involved a mix of no-look passes, pin-point alley-oops, spinning feeds, and overhand bullets under the basket.
In addition to his NBA career, Johnson was the co-captain of the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team ("The Dream Team"), winning the Olympic gold medal in Barcelona. Johnson is one of only eight players to achieve the basketball Triple Crown. After leaving the NBA in 1991, he formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team that travelled around the world playing exhibition games. Johnson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, in 2025.
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Johnson's NFL draft prospects
Will Johnson is a highly-rated NFL draft prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. Johnson, a cornerback from the University of Michigan, is projected to be a first-round pick and is considered the No. 2 prospect by ESPN. With a unique combination of size, experience, ball skills, and intelligence, Johnson has the qualities that coaches covet in a QB1.
Johnson's natural athleticism and basketball background have contributed to his success as a cornerback. He has shown the ability to track and play the ball in the air, excelling in a variety of coverages. His ball skills are particularly valuable when playing deep zone, and he has also proven capable in man-to-man coverage. Johnson's size presents options for him to play in the slot or even at safety, but his primary projection is as a big outside cornerback.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Johnson also excelled as a high school receiver. This offensive background further enhances his value as a prospect, demonstrating his versatility and well-rounded skill set.
When it comes to intangibles, Johnson possesses high football IQ, instincts, awareness, and courage. These qualities, combined with his physical attributes, make him a sought-after prospect.
Overall, Will Johnson is a highly promising NFL draft prospect. With his athleticism, intelligence, and versatility, he has the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL and is likely to be a highly coveted player in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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Frequently asked questions
William Johnson, born in Houston, Texas, is a basketball player who was drafted by the Houston Rockets in the 1975 NBA Draft. Another Will Johnson is a football cornerback who played for the Michigan Wolverines.
Will Johnson, the basketball player, played guard. Will Johnson, the cornerback, played as a cornerback, wide receiver, and punt returner.
Will Johnson, the basketball player, attended Texas Tech. Will Johnson, the cornerback, played college football for the University of Michigan Wolverines.
Will Johnson, the basketball player, was drafted in the 6th round as the 101st overall pick in the 1975 NBA Draft. Will Johnson, the cornerback, was a two-time All-American, a national champion, and the defensive MVP in 2023. He was also named to the Jim Thorpe Award watch list and was a consensus first-team All-Big Ten selection.
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