Leon Johnson III Reflects On His Record-Setting Athletic Career
Written By: Sam Erickson
Photographed By: Kelly North
With the 2022 football season over for George Fox University (GFU), it is time to reflect on the historic career of wide receiver Leon Johnson III.
Johnson III capped off his senior season with a touchdown against Whitworth in a 28-14 win for GFU, his 14th of the year. He finished the season with over one thousand yards receiving, good enough for the school record (one of several he now has, including receiving touchdowns both in a season and in a career).
Johnson III had an instant impact on the Bruins, leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns in his freshman year. Since then, he has developed into a talent worthy of multiple conference awards.
The senior has also received the Northwest Conference (NWC) Offensive Player of the Year award and is in contention to be an All-American. “Those were goals that I set for myself during the summer before the season and to have them come to fruition would be amazing,” Johnson III said.
The difference between Johnson III during his freshman year compared to his senior year has been impressive: his team-leading numbers from his freshman year have more than doubled in his senior year. In his freshman year, he had 450 yards receiving; in his senior year he had 1,196. “I think that the difference was the difference in trusting in every aspect of our team,” Johnson III said. “It was something you could feel that was different from previous years and it was palpable. It really made this year feel special.”
The explosion in his production has been eye-catching and, according to Johnson III, it has not come at the cost of some great change in himself or his character, but in becoming more “comfortable in [his] skin.” Johnson III said, “In the past four years I have had the time to reflect on my life and really love who I am and be proud of who I have become.”
His quarterback Haiden Schaan appreciates Johnson III’s consistent contributions on the field: “Not only has he helped shape the culture of our offense, but he has been a fantastic friend and teammate,” said Schaan. The two have played together all four years of Johnson III’s career.
Johnson III now has many options for his future; as a baseball player for GFU, he ended the last season with a .269 batting average, 10 stolen bases, and a pair of home runs.
However, after his standout season, the NFL is now an option for the senior. “I have been offered an opportunity to join a pro day in March,” said Johnson III. “If that is what I decide to do, I would, unfortunately, have to step away from the diamond which I would be sad about, [but] I would be doing it to pursue the opportunity of a lifetime.”
No matter what Johnson III chooses, his impact on the GFU football team and its record books will be felt for years to come. In turn, he feels that GFU’s impact will be just as large on him as a person. “I do feel like coming to George Fox was worth it,” said Johnson III. “I have made many lifelong friends here … Everything that has happened has made me the person I am today, so I don’t regret anything.”