Running back Amar Johnson is up next! Let’s get to know this young running back for the Chargers!
The Basics
Height: 5’9
Weight: 205 pounds
College: South Dakota Satate
Experience: 1
Johnson hails from the state of Missouri where he attended Chaminade College Prep in Creve Coeur. He was a two-time First-Team All-State selection with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons as a junior and senior while also earning All-League honors as a kick returner. Despite his prolific prep career, he was only rated a two-star prospect
by 247Sports and chose to attend FCS power South Dakota State from Indiana State, Memphis, and Miami (Ohio).
As a true freshman, Johnson played in a backup role, earning 86 carries for 439 yards and three touchdowns while playing in all 13 games. The following year, he played in eight games, once again coming off the bench, and registering 414 yards and three more scores on 63 attempts.
In 2023, he played in a career-high 15 games which coincided in a career-high 801 yards and four touchdowns.
In his final season, Johnson played in all 15 games once more, recording 1,222 yards and 14 touchdowns to cap off a 52-game career for the Jackrabbits. Following the season, he was named a First-Team All-MVC selection as an all-purpose back.
After going undrafted in 2025, Johnson signed as a UDFA with the Green Bay Packers.
During the preseason, Johnson’s first game saw him lead the team with 67 rushing yards while also scoring the team’s only touchdown. The following week, he scored again on the ground. Johnson ended the preseason with 115 rushing yards and two scores on 22 carries to go with 21 receiving yards on a pair of catches.
Johnson was waived by the team during final cuts in late August. On September 2nd, the Chargers signed Johnson to their practice squad. He remained there all season before signing a reserve/futures contract with the Bolts.
The Good
Johnson is a straight-line speedster who can beat defenders to the edge and outrun bad angles. He posted a 4.39 40 during his pre-draft process which would be second-fastest among Chargers running backs behind only Keaton Mitchell.
In his limited snaps during the 2025 preseason, his pair of touchdowns and 100+ yards were notable with his first touchdown going for 39 yards which showed his home run ability.
The Bad
Johnson was rarely used as a pass-catcher in SDSU’s offense, recording just 50 catches and 449 yards with a score over 52 career games. The more versatile a back is, the better chances they have of sticking around in a NFL offense, so Johnson will have to show he can catch the rock to put those doubts to rest.
2026 Outlook
Johnson was signed last season when the Chargers still employed Greg Roman as offensive coordinator. Now with Mike McDaniel running the show, Johnson’s fit with the offense is much, much better. I like him to remain on the practice squad as a developmental guy who can be an understudy to Keaton Mitchell this season.
