San Diego State senior cornerback Chris Johnson was recently named a midseason first-team All-America selection by The Associated Press. Johnson made the first team as a defensive back and was one of 13 first-team defensive selections.
In six games this season, Johnson has totaled 32 tackles (19 solo), three interceptions for 146 yards and two touchdowns, six pass breakups, a forced fumble and a tackle for loss. Johnson is ranked in tie for first in FBS in interceptions returned for a touchdown (2), second in interception yards (148, 1st in MW), tied for fourth in passes defended per game (1.50, T-2nd in MW), total passed defended (9, T-2nd in MW), tied for eighth in interceptions (3, T-2nd in MW) and interceptions per game (0.50, T-2nd in MW) and tied for 24th in total pass breakups (6, T-3rd in MW). He’s also tied for fifth in the MW in both forced fumbles (1) and forced fumbles per game (0.17).
According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson is ranked as the top cornerback in the country this year with a 91.6 defensive grade. That mark is even more impressive when considering the minimum defensive snaps for that grade is just 15. He’s also No. 1 in coverage grade among cornerbacks at 92.2 (min. just five snaps). According to PFF, when targeted against Johnson this year, receivers are 10-for-25 (40 pct.) for 115 yards, three interceptions and no touchdowns. That’s a defensive pass efficiency rating of 54.64.
Johnson has also been named a midseason season-team All-America selection by Sports Illustrated, Athlon Sports and Pro Football Network.
Off to their best start since the 2021 team started 7-0 en route to a 12-2 season with its most wins in program history, the Aztecs (5-1, 2-0 MW) travel to play Fresno State at 12:30 p.m. PT Saturday.
SDSU’s Chris Johnson Named to The Associated Press Midseason All-America Team
Johnson makes the first team as a defensive back.
