In 1989, a talented linebacker named Alondra Johnson arrived in BC for his first CFL training camp. It was the start of a long, productive career that included four West Division All-Star selections and three Grey Cup victories with Wally Buono’s Calgary Stampeders juggernaut that ruled the next decade.
Fast forward 17 years and Alondra’s son Auston Johnson is now in Kamloops looking to make an impact under head coach Wally Buono and amongst fellow Lions camp attendees. He’s also ready to learn a thing or two from the impressive linebacker corps. Although he has many of the same traits as his father, the younger Johnson has not yet perfected the art of having never met a microphone he didn’t like.
While Alondra was always known for his outspoken interviews, Auston is just here to play and soak it all in. “I’m just here to be a sponge and do what’s asked of me,” the younger Johnson said. “It’s about working really hard and doing what I can to impress the coaches and hopefully make this team.”
What makes Johnson’s story more appealing is the fact he could dress as a non-import as he was born in Calgary during his father’s 13-year stay in the Foothills City. He knew early on that following in his dad’s footsteps was something he wanted to pursue. “I watched his games growing up and recently have been studying more of his film to get re-acquainted with the Canadian game,” Johnson added.
Johnson and fellow rookie Dyshawn Davis showed their playmaking ability at last weekend’s rookie camp and now the challenge will be to get even better once the veterans hit the field. Davis is relishing the opportunity to learn from the “Team 100” duo of Solomon Elimimian and Adam Bighill.
“Both of those guys have won awards, so as a young guy coming in, I feel like I could not be in a better position to learn from those two guys,” Davis said. “The style they play and the fact they are first-class pros with 110 percent effort all the time is something that I have to take advantage of and learn from.”
Davis is fresh off a productive four-year career at Syracuse, where he recorded 53 tackles and a remarkable 37.5 stops for a loss in his senior season. After playing for the Orange, it helps that Davis already bleeds the Lions colours. “Things have worked out coming from Syracuse and still being able to wear orange,” Davis said with a smile. The program has been great to me and I wear the colours proudly.” Davis spent time with the Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders last season before his agent convinced him a move up north would be good for his career. “It’s a lot to learn, but I like the rules,” Davis said. “I am a lean linebacker and a like to run so going sideline to sideline and making open field tackles will be to my advantage up here.”
Johnson, who played two seasons at the University of South Dakota, was passed over in the 2015 CFL Draft and had to prove his worth at the league free agent camp in Montreal before Buono and company took notice.
“Auston is competing very well,” Buono said. “Following in his father’s footsteps has to be exciting. He’s tough and hard-nosed like Alondra. You can see some physicality to him and that he is a good football player.
On day two of main camp, Johnson was moved to fullback where he got some positional drills in with the likes of Anthony Allen, Jereimiah Johnson and Chris Rainey. At this stage of his career, proving to be versatile can also go a long way in determining your outlook with a pro club.
Being in his 45th training camp, Buono knows all about the benefits of having over 80 players to evaluate. While the Lions already boast one of the top linebacker duos in the league, keeping the likes of Johnson and Davis around throughout camp will no doubt prove to be beneficial, whether its for this season or down the road.
“Good football players are good football players, whether it’s rookie camp or when the veterans come in. When you look at trying to improve ourselves, these are the types of guys we are looking for.”
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com