Ryan Day highlights key contributions from Xavier Johnson in Week 1 win

Ryan Day and Ohio State survived Notre Dame, 21-10, in Week 1. For much of the game, it was the defense keeping things in place until the offense finally woke up.

When the offense finally did wake up, it was a 24-yard touchdown strike from CJ Stroud to Xavier Johnson that gave the Buckeyes the lead for good. On the ensuing kickoff, Johnson was a part of the coverage unit making the stop as a special teams contributor.

In fact, Johnson was one of the unlikely pieces to be utilized on offense. But with Jaxon Smith-Njigba banged up, Johnson stepped in and delivered.

After the game, Day spoke highly of Johnson. He called the utility receiver a “throwback” player and said good things happen to good people.

Ryan Day: “Xavier Johnson practices every day. Xavier Johnson cut his teeth on special teams. He’s kind of a throwback player … I just couldn’t be happier for him, because it goes to show that good things happen to good people who work hard.”

— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) September 4, 2022

Johnson finished the game with 2 catches for 35 yards in addition to working with the special teams unit. Coming into the game, Johnson had carried the ball 4 times in his career but did not have a reception to his credit.

Originally a 3-star wide receiver in the 2018 recruiting class, Johnson showed his versatility is the real deal in Week 1. Hopefully, he is able to contribute again throughout the season.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.