Name: Johnnie Lang Jr
School: Arkansas State
Position: RB/RS
Height: 5-8
Weight: 196
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
While entering college in 2017 at Iowa State University, I always wanted the opportunity to go out and showcase my skillset and gain recognition for my performance across the country. After transferring to Arkansas State University in 2022 to 2023, just this last season I was honored to be named a Mid-Season All-American and MVP of the 2023 Arkansas State Football Program, and finished 13th in the nation in all purpose yards as a running back.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My teammates and coaches will tell you I’m not the most vocal on any team. I can be held accountable on and off the field and take direct criticism while being a hard worker. I’m willing to go past the limit while chasing greatness, so I have the ultimate confidence to go out and showcase my God given talents. Lastly, I treat everyone with respect and am a great player and teammate to have on and off the field.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When watching film, I become very detail oriented just so I’m not letting myself get away with the little things that nobody sees that can create the big plays. Playing running back, it’s important to understand blocking schemes and where to press the ball and what to be looking at during the play. While studying opponents film, I check and see how physical the linebackers are and if they’re running to the ball to finish the play. Also, how the opponent blitzes and what keys give it away. Lastly, I look over explosive plays made against opponents which fuels me before facing my opponent.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
When it comes to the running back position, everyone thinks it’s one of the easiest position to play and in my opinion one of the lest valued positions on the field. Being a running back that can do it all and catch out the back field not only adds value to yourself as an individual, but puts stress on other teams while having a chance to create mismatches and win one on ones. Not having to come off the field because the game has become situational, creates value for both the team and the player. Also, I’m a running back that can also be a return specialist and help out on special teams.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
Training for professional opportunities has become a dream come true, but also a moment where your faith will get tested. While making sure I’m prepared and ready to go, I’ve been working out at the Trench Academy in Tampa, Florida. Getting bigger, faster, and stronger at the Trench Academy has given me the confidence to go out an have a great pro day. Being able to finish training at the Trench Academy until I get one opportunity will continue to keep me in the best shape possible and ready to hit the ground running on the professional level.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
One of my strengths people pick up on a lot is that I’m the same every day while coming to work. No matter what’s going on off the field, I held myself accountable to be mature enough to not bring it into the facility and create bad energy. I’ve always been that guy when everyone gets tired, they can take a look at me in the heat of the moment and gain some energy. No matter how adversity comes, I weather the storm. I’ve been through a lot at a young age, so I’m very relatable and won’t judge. Going forward, that will give my teammates the will to want to talk to me so they’re not letting their problems take full control over the way they go about playing the game. As a player, I try my best to perfect my craft and make sure my group understands we are the play makers and sometimes we have to be the fuel to get things going.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
I’ve been playing football since the age 4. I wouldn’t let my parents or grandparents leave from stores without grabbing me some type of ball. Facing adversity and having football taken away from me made me realize how much I love this game. Although I didn’t understand as a kid, but I knew since then this is all I ever wanted. Football has never felt like work or too much for me as it may be for others sometimes. I love everything that comes with this game and willing to sacrifice a lot just for an opportunity to have a career as a professional football player in the NFL.