[3] Johnson began his college career at Midwestern State University; he redshirted in 2010 and caught 6 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown as a reserve receiver in 2011.

In addition, he won the Lone Star Conference (LSC) wide receiver of the year award.

[6] The team also opened the season with a record-breaking performance against East Texas Baptist in which it scored 98 points, amassing 986 total yards of offense and 13 touchdowns.

[7] This performance helped Johnson earn his second LSC wide receiver of the year honor,[8] while also being named an AFCA first team All-American.

NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein described Johnson as a "creative, instinctive receiver who has the feet and hips to make defenders miss and the acceleration to hit the big play either after the catch or down the field.