'Johnson is a local product, playing his high school football at Sweet Home and collegiate football at the University at Buffalo. At Sweet Home, Johnson was a state champion, a two-time New York State Class A player of the year, a three-time Section VI champion, a Connelly Cup finalist, first team All-WNY, All-State honoree, team captain, and a 1,000-yard rusher to go along with playing on both sides of the ball and special teams. Johnson finished with a 20-2 record as the starting quarterback his junior and senior year, and went 33-2 overall for his varsity career.'