Kenan Johnson Feeling More Comfortable With Utah Football

Aug 15, 2024, 1:08 PM

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Football is nearing the conclusion of fall camp, which means the 2024 season opener is just days away. One of the numerous new faces on the squad has been Georgia Tech transfer cornerback Kenan Johnson, who will be key to Utah’s outlook this season.

Seemingly ever since he transferred to Utah this past January, Johnson has garnered a positive buzz. That’s crucial because he is an important piece of the puzzle for the defense this season.

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Kenan Johnson feels comfortable with Utah Football

After a good spring ball, Johnson has continued to impress in fall camp. He seems to be more settled into the position at Utah, which has been a positive for him and the team.

“As far as the adjustments, I think fall camp has been coming along really well,” Johnson said. “I’m starting to feel a lot more comfortable in the defense. It’s starting to make a lot more sense in terms of alignment and assignment. I’m a lot more confident in alignment, in my technique, and just executing.”

A big factor in Johnson’s quick acclimation has been the communication among players in the defensive secondary. He knows it’s not only an important part of his own development but a factor in the group playing at an effective level as well.

“Zemaiah, that’s my guy. I think that me and Zemaiah push each other every day. He’s competing to be the best, I’m competing to be the best. Just having th at talent, having a guy like that on the other side of me is definitely allowing to continue to grow and become a better corner myself.” – Kenan Johnson on Zemaiah Vaugh.

“Communication is key,” Johnson said. “We’re just building that communication with the guys each and every practice, every time we’ve got the opportunity, that’s going to allow us to improve and build.”

Another contributing factor to his comfort level has been the guys around him. Johnson has developed a good relationship with the guys in the room and sees good progress from everyone.

“I love the guys,” Johnson said. “We’re all close and we all have a lot of confidence in one another. We all think we can do similar things and help contribute to the defense.”

Why did Kenan Johnson choose to transfer to Utah?

After five seasons at Georgia Tech, Johnson finished his time there with his best effort. He decided to enter the transfer portal for his final season of legibility. Johnson had good options to choose from and ultimately elected Utah.

“I pay attention to a lot of college sports, not just my conference, I would always see Utah producing defensive players- DB’s going to the next level,” Johnson shared of his decision to transfer to Utah.

Cornerbacks coach Sharrieff Shah has always been a good recruiter. A big part of that has been the success he’s had developing players over the years, which all starts with the detail in the projection of their targets in the Utah defense.

“Sharrieff Shah was a big part of my recruiting process, just talking on the phone and him having a vision for me,” Johnson said. “Him being on the same page with me, in terms of where I want to go and how I can be used. Seeing him make all-conference corners year in and year out was a big part of me wanting to come and try to be a part of this defense.”

The program and Salt Lake City in general also made a good impression. “Getting up here, I loved my visit, loved the scenery and it wasn’t too much for me,” he said. It was just business and ball, that’s what I like about this place.”