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NORMAN, Okla. -- Decisions big and small in freshman running back Justin Johnson's life have arisen, and they haven't always been easy. However, these decisions were opportunities to better himself and further the potential seen in him by those around him.

"I actually didn't want to play football," said the Gilmer, Texas native.

That changed during his elementary school years when he was watching his older brother play in a game.

"My brother's coach walked up to me and asked 'Why are you just standing there?' and he told me that I needed to play," Johnson said. After the coach talked to his mother, Dorothy, Johnson was playing in a little league football game a few days later.

"I just thought playing football would help him develop some responsibility and give him something to do," Dorothy said. "His older brother was playing football at the time and Justin was a few months too young to start playing, but they let him play in the league anyway. He loved to do it."

That wasn't the last time Johnson's talent placed him ahead of the talent curve. Several years later he found himself suited up for the varsity football team at Gilmer High School as a freshman.

"I was standing on the sideline thinking 'I'm never going to get to play.' That was going through my head, and at that point, coach said to go in and play," Johnson said. "I was nervous and the play came to me. I was like 'What in the world!' But it actually turned out good."

Johnson's first game with the Gilmer Buckeyes was a success and his playing time increased.

Johnson's speed and agility, which allows him to run the 40 in 4.5 seconds, served him well in track and field too. One night after a meet, a man named Todd Robinson introduced himself to Johnson. Robinson told Johnson about the great potential he saw in him.

"He's just one of those people who likes to help others," Johnson said. "But for him to take me to camps and other places to help me improve in football he had to be my legal guardian."

"I saw a kid who had all the physical gifts in the world," Robinson said. "He was a kid who wanted to do good and wanted to have those opportunities. All he needed was somebody to show him how to get him from here to there. He took a chance and said 'I'm going to be successful.'"

Robinson presented him with an opportunity to achieve those goals with his help through granting him legal guardianship. Johnson knew that moving away from his parents would be difficult.

"My parents weren't in a position to take me where I wanted to go," Johnson said. "I had to convince them to let me move out. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, especially at first, but I convinced them and Todd signed papers to become my legal guardian."

Despite the transition of moving into the care of Robinson and his wife, Dolly, it was a move that had long term benefits.

"I love to spend time and play with kids," Johnson explained. "Todd and Dolly supported me off the field in doing things with that. I was also able to train on a higher level with pro guys in Atlanta. Todd not only helped me to become a great football player, but also helped me to become a better person."

Johnson remains forever appreciative of his parents for allowing him to further his opportunities in football and the continued support they gave him after he moved in with the Robinson's.

"My parents still came to all of my games," Johnson said. "I still see them and talk to them all the time."

Johnson's mother attributes Justin's success to the hard work and dedication to the sport football. With a positive attitude, intense work ethic and support from those around him, there is no doubt that many more great opportunities are ahead.

"If anybody deserves it, it's Justin," Dorothy said. "He's very humble and always happy. Playing football makes him very happy and he loves what he gets from it."

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Q: What is your favorite thing about Norman?
A: The sweet smelling air.

Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Little Debbie snack cakes

Q: Do you prefer dogs or cats?
A: Dogs, I have five

Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside of football?
A: Playing/spending time with kids

Q: What is your most prized possession?
A: My football from the first round of playoffs from senior year

Q: Who is your role model?
A: Emmitt Smith

Q: Who is your dream date?
A: Jessica Simpson

Q: Who is your favorite music artist?
A: 50 cent

Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: "Grease"

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by Stephanie Turner, OU Athletics Media Relations