Angel or Demon: TCU Wide Receiver Quentin Johnston

There is a lot of hype surrounding TCU’s Quentin Johnston.

Before I ever start the evaluation process, I try to not read other’s opinions and stories about a player. I always go to the film first, preferably from the previous year. This gives me an opportunity to see how, or if they progress. There is simply not a better way to do it.

Coming in at 6’4″ 215 pounds, the Horned Frogs’ wide receiver has been turning some heads. Some even say he has legitimate 4.40 40-yard dash speed.

What was it like watching his game film?

I have definitely seen decent receivers who are headed toward the 2023 NFL Draft, but Johnston has had my head spinning from the very beginning when I watched him against Kansas State (2021).

I am not going to lie, the film was painful to watch.

As soon as the ball was snapped, you could tell whether or not he was the focal point of the play. If it was a pass play, he would explode off the snap into his route with semi-clean breaks in and out of his cuts.

He was playing football.

However, If Johnston was not getting the ball, like on running plays, the effort went right out the window.

The ball would get snapped and Johnston would be running half speed.

Blocking?

Nope.

Johnston wanted no part of getting in anyone’s way.

As a defensive back, that is something that I would have keyed on, as Johnston made it pretty obvious when he intended to get his hands on the ball.

He had two receptions for five yards against Kansas State.

Of course, a player cannot be judged by one game, so the 2021 West Virginia game was next on my list.

Everyone has a bad day now and then, right?

Johnston could be an absolute terror when after he made the catch. His talent cannot be ignored.

The problem is the ball has to get into his hands first.

Red flags

There were two times versus West Virginia a defensive back stepped in front of Johnston to intercept ball and the effort was not there. He didn’t do much to prevent the interception, nor did he attempt to chase down the defender once the interception was made.

Things like that, along with his lackadaisical blocking, will sour some teams from drafting him.

However, there is a general manager (GM) who will ignore the red flags, just like that girl or guy someone likes so much.

It happens every day.

One person’s demon, is another person’s angel.

Let me tell you, once Johnston does get the ball, the way he breaks tackles and makes people miss is off-the-charts.

Johnston has responded differently to new leadership

At least twice versus Oklahoma (2022), the defensive back wanted no part of even dealing with Johnston, and tackled him before the ball even got there. Pass interference in college football is just a 15-yard penalty and it’s better than getting burned for a touchdown.

In 2022, Johnston has taken another step as a player. It’s been different since TCU’s former Head Coach Gary Patterson resigned late last season. The team was 5-7 back then, but since Sonny Dykes taken over the position, he is 10-0.

TCU has now snuck into the last playoff spot, and they will have the chance to compete for the NCAA Division I National Championship this season.

The new leadership has made a difference in team morale and effort.

I have even seen Johnston try to throw a block.

To be or not to be…

All these guys are athletes, they are all good at what they do, but it all comes down to heart and desire.

That’s what truly separates them.

Will Johnston be Calvin Johnson or will he be Charles Rogers?

Will Johnston be Randy Moss or Troy Williamson Jr.?

Does the selection of Johnston in the draft lead to elation or to regret?

Is Johnston a hard worker or will he be a diva?

These are the questions a GM will have to ask themselves when considering taking him.

If you ask me, I think Johnston will end up somewhere between a superstar and a bust.

How Johnston stacks up and game film reviewed

Draft Projection: Second to Fourth Round
NFL comparable: Mike Williams (Los Angeles Chargers)

Game Film Evaluated: (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

Kansas State ’21

West Virginia ’21

Oklahoma ’22

Kansas ’22

The author, William Yanish, has been a football fan since he was knee high to a grasshopper. He played football until his body wouldn’t let him any longer at the tender young age of 17. He is an aspiring sports writer and author, who covers the NFL Draft for firstroundmock.com. Yanish attended Colorado Mesa University on the western slope of Colorado.