For an offense that has averaged over 190 rushing yards per game and had at least 7 rushers with at least 25+ carries last season, it makes Colton Johnson Colton Johnson 6'2" | 220 lbs | RB/LB Princeton | 2027 State MN ‘s performance for the Tigers that much more remarkable. Johnson finished with a team-high 930 rushing yards (6.8 YPC) and 7 rushing TDs. Not just proving to be a powerful runner through contact, but also boasting an impressive level of speed, noting his 4.6 40 yard dash time, that combination could prove lethal at the next level. With a tall frame and broad shoulders, Johnson has proven to be an excellent short-distance and goal-line runner who consistently is driving forward and has the speed to race outside the perimeter and beat the defense to the pylon. Johnson should remain to be the primary bell-cow for the Tigers’ loaded run-game in 2026.

How could you not like an EDGE/fullback mix?! Princeton has an exciting 2027 crop of sophomores who still have a lot of football left in front of them, and one of the headliners is undoubtedly 6’2, 210 lber. Colton Johnson Colton Johnson 6'2" | 220 lbs | RB/LB Princeton | 2027 State MN . With good size and utility, as well as a noticeable motor, Johnson totaled 26 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 2 FF, and 1 blocked kick, as well as 2 carries for 10 yards for the 9-1 Tigers, and you have to like the versatile positional designation of both fullback and EDGE and have to assume Johnson is a fan of contact, an assumption that is backed up in his sophomore tape. The 210ish pounder is a good edge defender who can shed, close, and make tackles all around the field, as well as get after QBs as a pass rusher. The standup EDGE can align wide off the LOS and shows an explosive get-off who can drop his hips and bend the edge well at his speed. The speed he rushes at was effective in 2024, as well as a good base of raw pass-rushing ability to build on, and Johnson also proved himself to be a strong tackler who can also can drop into passing lanes and disrupt an opponent’s quick game. Offensively, Johnson is an effective lead blocker who can identify and eliminate the most dangerous defender and open big holes for his fellow RBs. Good pop at the contact point as well, and he shows good leg drive and some strength and go-forward as a ball carrier. Plus, that aforementioned high motor was also productive on special teams to add to his versatility. If this kid can put on some weight this offseason, he will be a serious problem on both the gridiron and recruiting trail.

Johnson is a physical presence on both sides of the ball for the Tigers. As a running back, he runs with a physical style and will not go down with an arm tackle. Offensively, he is most effective as a lead blocker. His low hips and leg drive make him an ideal lead blocker. However, he can still tote the rock once in a while. His physical play translates to his primary side of the ball – defense as a stand-up defensive end/outside linebacker. While his physical play on the edge stands out, Johnson is athletic enough to operate in space. He already shows a good football IQ diagnosing plays on the outside. As his role expands his final two years of high school, the coaching staff will likely limit Johnson’s time on special teams. He will be missed though. he was a demon as a kick coverage guy as a sophomore. He even has a punt block on his resume.