In Xavier Johnson’s career at Ohio State, the Buckeyes have leaned on the sixth-year in a number of ways. Whether
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‘Grateful for the Path’: Xavier Johnson Ready To Cherish One Final Game as a Buckeye
In Xavier Johnson’s career at Ohio State, the Buckeyes have leaned on the sixth-year in a number of ways.
Whether that be at running back, wide receiver or special teams, Johnson has answered the bell when his name is called.
So when contemplating where he may play against No. 9 Missouri in the Cotton Bowl on Dec. 29, in what will be his final game as a Buckeye, Johnson said all he wants to do is “help the team win” at whatever position he is playing.
“Whatever I got to do to help the team win, go beat Missouri, be 1-0 in the bowl season. That’s where I’ll be,” Johnson said. “I’ll be full heartedly there. It could be kicker. I’ll go out there and try to kick, I can’t even kick, but wherever coach (Ryan) Day says, ‘We need you, Xavier.’ That’s where I’ll put my foot. Maybe the 10-yard line. I think punter would be better. I can place some punts.”
Johnson arrived at Ohio State as a walk-on in 2018. He turned down several scholarship offers to remain with the in-state Buckeyes as a native of Cincinnati.
Johnson has played in 54 games across his Buckeyes career. He’s seen the highest of highs and the College Football Playoff, and he’s been part of the lowest of lows across the past six seasons.
Johnson said “it means a lot” to wear the scarlet and gray uniform one more time in the Cotton Bowl.
“For me to know, having the foresight going in, that it’s the last step in the journey for me at Ohio State, I think it’s going to be a very, very pensive leading up to it and throughout it,” Johnson said. “I want to appreciate it the best I can, and I think that appreciating it and the work that I’m putting into it and everybody that’s come before me, everybody who’s poured into me, it looks like I’m giving my best on that day so that’s what I’m going to do.”
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