Anthony Johnson is a transfer from Louisville who entered the Virginia program as a graduate transfer in 2021. A long and lanky zone-corner prospect who can play effectively in man coverage when he needs to. He’s not as willing as I’d like to see him be in run defense, and it looks like he’s a bit stiff in his hips. Regardless, there is potential with Johnson, who can develop into a potential starter.
Anthony Johnson
CB – Virginia Cavaliers
HT: 6002
WT: 195
Year: Super Redshirt Senior
High School: Chaminade-Madonna Prep (Hollywood, FL)
Rating: 3-star (0.8274)
Projected Draft Grade: Project Backup Corner
Projection: 5th/7th Round
Anthony Johnson scouting notes
Pros:
- Decent upper body strength.
- Has decent explosiveness.
- Decent tackler. Has a good wrap-up form.
- I see some decent man coverage ability. Fairly quick to react. Plays in off-coverage best.
- Played a ton of zone coverage, typically something by the boundary, in the Virginia scheme.
- Slow to read run and pass while in zone, will lean heavy pass. Reacts well to the pass.
Cons:
- Doesn’t appear to have great speed.
- I don’t see a lot of change of direction ability from Johnson. Doesn’t play with a lot of energy.
- He doesn’t look very willing to play as a run defender.
- Average space defender.
- Not really very physical. He doesn’t like to pressure receivers like that.
