2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Cassius Johnson, DB, University of San Diego

• Name: Cassius Johnson
• Position: DB
• College: University of San Diego
• Height: 6’ 0”
• Weight: 190 lbs
• Twitter: @_cashed_out_
• Instagram: @Cassius.johnson_

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2022 NFL Draft?

My speed, quickness, agility, strength, explosiveness, conditioning, and work ethic.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

For as far back as I can remember I’ve had an interest in football. But in elementary school was when I first started playing and fell in love with the sport. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

My skills and knowledge of the game has grown exponentially with each year that I play.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

Improving childhood education in impoverished communities.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

As a kid my dad always told me “For the rest of your life, you have to try twice”. He said it to encourage me to give things a second, or third, or even fourth try if it didn’t work out the first time. Those words taught me that with determination and persistence I can achieve goals that are beyond what I thought I was capable of achieving.

Who was your childhood hero?

My parents. They were and continue to be selfless in everything they do regarding me and my siblings while simultaneously accomplishing so much for themselves.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

Each of my teammates fit that description. Everyone played a critical role either on the field or behind the scenes to contribute to us being successful. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Wasted time. Since we can’t get it back, I treat each moment as precious.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character. What was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

I play with a chip on my shoulder that comes from being under-appreciated by coaches when I first started playing, and I’ve turned that into motivation ever since.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

Before I got to The University of San Diego the football program had a winning reputation. I wanted to do my part and continue to contribute to that reputation. The class I came in with contributed to winning four conference championships, thus maintaining USD’s winning environment.

What is your favorite snack food?

I have always loved fruit as a healthy snack. Especially apples. 

What is the best part of football?

The camaraderie you find with your teammates. There are not many other places where you can replicate that. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

Nobody can outwork me.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

Jalen Ramsey is a player I look up to and try to mimic my playstyle after. I admire his aggressiveness for the ball in the air, as well his fearlessness coming up to make a tackle. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

My two younger brothers, and my father’s mother. I haven’t seen my siblings as much as I would like since leaving for college, and my grandmother passed away a month before I was born. From the stories I’ve been told about her she seemed like a fascinating person and a wonderful lady.