Cormac Johnson is a rookie down to a tee, and has hopes of getting a starting position in the most successful American Football Team in the UK, the UWE Bullets.
Four National Championship titles, and Five Conference Championship titles with back to back to back titles victories in the former and latter.
Having prior experience in contact sports such as football and rugby, Johnson explains his initial plans to get to grips with the sport.
“I played rugby when I first joined university, but I didn’t enjoy it that much. I got into watching the NFL. I thought my rugby skills would be transferable and I spoke to someone during a fresher fair and was convinced”.
He outlined his current capabilities and how his abilities would help him strive within the sport. “The contact aspect of the game is very familiar to me. Tackling, hitting and catching are different due to the sport but with my years of rugby experience.”
Training in the Tight End position, Johnson looks to build on the core fundamentals of the position and prove why he deserves a role.
“Being on the offensive side of the ball, learning the different routes I have to run is a definite learning curve.
“Running five yards and cutting in or eight yards are darting out. The subtle differences and 15 to 20 plays I have to remember and their names can be a difficult aspect of the game.”
The reputation of the Bullets is well renowned amongst university sides. Maintaining composure when facing an uphill battle to cement yourself has only added pressure for Johnson. But having skilled and accomplished players and coaches has offered a lot of encouragement.
“It’s honestly exciting. You’re surrounded by people with so much experience and knowledge for you to pick up. Being in training with those who are so good at the sport is amazing. What has led to the team’s legacy is the quality of coaching.”
Hitting the ground running for Johnson would be ideal, but learning a new sport for such a position as tight end has been slow going. Pass and shed blocking whilst remaining agile enough to be a passing option has made Johnson very reliant on the coaching staff.
“The coaches understand that a lot of new players have next to no experience and they’re always on hand to explain. They explain where you went wrong and take you through it step by step.
“They build you up and offer great advice. The other tight ends on the team offer great advice whenever I ask a question.”
The rewarding aspects of getting such great advice are not lost on Johnson.
“I’ve been getting better and more comfortable. Seeing progress during training and seeing the differences from when I first started.
“Initially, it was pretty daunting opening the playbook and studying the numerous plays, but the coaches go through it with you.
“I think blocking has taken a bit of time to understand and you have to register who the stronger tackler would be and how you should pick them up to block.”
“One of the biggest learning curves has been, running away from the ball and having to look over your shoulder as you’re running to catch the ball.
“Obviously it’s not allowed in rugby and that’s what I’m used to. It’s a lot different to sprint away from the ball, flip your hips towards the quarterback and being ready to catch the ball is a different feeling.”
In a sport where there’s continuous learning and adapting for Bullets hopeful, there’s only to wonder what’s next for him.
“There’s such great team chemistry and you really feel a part of something. Especially after initiations. There’s an amazing atmosphere. I’m really enjoying the sport and it keeps me coming back for more.
“I just want to learn and grow and hopefully get my first touchdown.”
