Northern Iowa running back David Johnson dreams about being a member of the National Football League. Standing 6 feet 3 inches, Johnson ranks in the top 10 of career rushing touchdowns, career points and career rushing yards at UNI. Before he gets the opportunity to join the NFL, Johnson is focused on climbing to the top of those rankings.
I just have to play my game, Johnson said at the teams final spring practice. Im close to some of the records here, and if everything works out well I feel like I have a great chance of getting to some of those records.
It just shows that we have a good offense, good quarterback and good line to open up the pocket and spread out the defense and everything else.
Johnson is entering the senior season of his career at UNI, which he said he feels means an added load of responsibility despite being on the field since he was a freshman.
I need to step up as a leader if I havent already. I need to step up and be that leader for the younger guys, if not the whole team, Johnson said. Being a senior and playing in so many games, you kind of have to. Its instilled in me, I guess.
Much like last season, Johnson hasnt taken many hits in spring practice to avoid injuries. It worked out last year, as Johnson was able to play in 11 of the teams 12 games. He led the team with 1,286 rushing yards and was third with 393 receiving yards.
(UNI head coach Mark Farley) knows whats right and has been coaching for a long time. If he has me take off a little bit, I can do it especially with all the running backs we have this year. If he needs me to not take as many hits in spring ball, I guess I can do it, Johnson said.
The Panthers ended their spring season with the annual spring game on Friday. UNI will be back to practice this summer as the team begins to prepare for its first game of the season against Iowa on Aug. 30.