During the summer, ESPN.com is taking a closer look at each scholarship player on Oklahoma’s roster in our Crimson Countdown series. Each day, we analyze each player’s impact on the program since arriving on campus, his potential impact this fall, and his long-term projection. Starting with No. 1 Dominique Alexander, the series follows the roster numerically through No. 98 Chuka Ndulue.
No. 22 Cortez Johnson, cornerback, 6-foot-2, 206 pounds, junior
Impact thus far: Johnson started two games during his first season finishing with 16 tackles in 10 games played in 2013. He hasn’t been the major impact player it appeared he could be after transferring from Arizona and sitting out the 2012 season -- but he has two seasons remaining to become a core contributor.
Impact in 2014: Johnson needs to step his game up. If he doesn’t earn a starting spot it will be the second straight season he was in the competition to start but lost out to a younger player on the roster. The New Orleans, Louisiana native brings unique size to the cornerback spot but his production needs to start matching his potential.
Long term upside: It’s all up to him. Johnson can be a key contributor during his final two seasons or he can watch while younger players rise past him on the depth chart.
Evaluation grade for Johnson: C. His physical skills are solid but he hasn’t seized the opportunities in front of him thus far. He still has time to become a significant contributor but it needs to happen soon. This grade will either rise or fall after 2014.
Development grade for Johnson: B. The Sooners have given him the opportunity to cement a role and he’s even started a pair of games in crimson and cream. There’s not much more OU could have done to spur his development and turn his potential into production.
