Zion Johnson

Early life

Johnson was born on November 18, 1999, and grew up in Bowie, Maryland, before attending Riverdale Baptist School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Before playing football, Johnson played golf. While in high school and college, he was a pathways intern at the National Institutes of Health.

College career

Johnson began his collegiate career at Davidson College. He played in all 22 of the Wildcats' games with 19 starts over two seasons and was named first team All-Pioneer Football League as a sophomore. Johnson transferred to Boston College following his sophomore year. Johnson said "Boston College for me was a no-brainer" and that he chose it because the school was renowned academically.

Johnson started seven games at left guard in his first season at Boston College and was named second team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) after he was named the conference Offensive Lineman of the Week three times. He was moved to left tackle before his senior season and was named third team All-ACC after starting all 11 of the Eagles' games. After considering entering the 2021 NFL Draft, Johnson decided to utilize the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes who played in the 2020 season due to the Covid-19 pandemic and return to Boston College for a fifth season He moved back to the guard position for his final season and was named first team All-ACC and a first team All-American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation.