UCF's wide receiver room has gained some major experience with the addition of Brandon Johnson, a graduate transfer who had spent the past five seasons at Tennessee.
Johnson, who played high school football in Florida, led the Volunteers in receiving as a sophomore in 2017 with 37 catches for 482 yards and a touchdown. Playing in nine games in 2020, Johnson was fifth on the squad with 19 receptions for 231 yards. In all, Johnson has played in 46 career games.
In early January, Johnson made the decision to play his final season at UCF.
He was one of the players made available to speak on Thursday, following UCF's second practice of the preseason.
"I've seen major improvement just in the first and second days already," Johnson said. "That's something coach wanted us to focus on, just improving a little bit each day. You know how it is the first day of camp, first day coming off a break. Guys may come out a little bit sluggish, a little bit tired. It's to be expected, but I think we made a lot of improvement today."
What are his goals this season?
"Honestly, I just want to focus on helping my team in the best way I can. Blocking, special teams, catching the ball, as many balls I can catch. If I can focus on trying to help my team, the rest will take care of itself. That will push into my dreams of playing at the next level."
Standing in at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, Johnson believes he can provide a bigger body to the group.
"Personally, I feel I provide some length," he said. "I know there was some question about some height with some guys who left, so I can provide that. I also bring experience to the room. I've been in college for a while."
What does he think of fellow receiver Jaylon Robinson?
"He's a great dude. Even better football player. He's dedicated. Super explosive. He has a certain knack for the game that everybody doesn't have. I saw it beforehand, before I ever got here. Then working with him and practicing with him, it's really impressive."
And quarterback Dillon Gabriel?
"DG is awesome," Johnson said. "Great leader. Great dude to be around. Fun dude. At the same time, he knows how to work. I think he'll do great this season. He's a great leader. I'm excited to see him work."
Brandon's father, Charles Johnson, was a standout MLB catcher during the 1990s and 2000s. He was a two-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner and a World Series Champion with the Florida Marlins (1997).
Surprisingly, Brandon said he never played baseball growing up.
"I never touched the diamond ever," he said. "I thought baseball was kind of boring to be honest. I can appreciate it now though. I was also a basketball guy. My dad never tried to make me play. He even coached me in basketball. He was cool about that."
Coming from the SEC, is there a difference between UCF's players and those at the Power Five level?
"Honestly, not really," Johnson said. "A lot of guys may say it's Power Five and you're going to UCF? Guys here are great athletes. Great competitors. And really hungry to prove a point. There may be a little stereotype that comes with not playing in a higher-level conference. Guys here are hungry and can't wait to get to it."
What are the expectations for this season?
"It's a standard Coach Gus is trying to push on us," Johnson said. "It's a standard we're trying to uphold. We're not settling for anything. We're trying to take it all. We're not looking a couple years down the road. We're trying to be the best we can be right now. The best offense, the best defense. The receivers, we're trying to be the best receiver group and uphold the standard of the past great receivers."
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