THE CANADIAN PRESS
MONTREAL – After helping the Ottawa REDBLACKS reach the Grey Cup game in 2015, defensive back Jovon Johnson became a free agent at the end of the season. After receiving numerous offers from other CFL teams during the off-season, Johnson decided to sign with the Alouettes.
Several reasons influenced Johnson’s decision: “I decided to sign with the Alouettes because Montreal is a beautiful city and Jim Popp is an excellent coach,” said Johnson. “Plus, Noel Thorpe, the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, wanted me to be part of the team.”
Upon signing with his new team, Johnson went straight back to work. From the get go, he focused on his speed during his training.
“I am also focused on my diet and on my physical strength,” confirmed Johnson.
As a player, Johnson follows and applies everything he studies during the video sessions when he plays on the field.
“I am able to anticipate the tactics that the offensive line attempts to do on the field,” he said.
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The addition of Johnson should play dividends on an Alouettes team that appeared to take a step back last season defensively. He’s among a few key changes on that side of the ball, which also include the departure of linebacker Henoc Muamba and the addition of defensive tackle Vaughan Martin.
Johnson moves into the cornerback spot in place of the departed Jonathan Hefney, and will team up with corner Mitchell White, who the Als re-signed in the hours leading up to free agency on Feb. 9.
Last season the Als ranked fifth in yards allowed defensively and seventh in opponent time of possession, while their pass defence fell from fourth-ranked in 2014 to sixth-ranked in 2015.
Johnson, an East Division All-Star in 2015, should provide plenty of leadership and ability on a defence looking to return to elite status in 2016, particularly one with plenty of youth.
“I want to be the best player on the field, but I also want to be the best mentor in order to bring them towards our common goal, which is winning games.” added the veteran.
During his stay in Ottawa, the players that made it most difficult for him from the Alouettes were S.J. Green, Duron Carter and Samuel Giguère. Now Johnson is happy to be on their side instead of having to try and stop them.
“When you play against these players, you know that they will give it their all on the field. They play with a lot of confidence and they are very difficult to face,” said Johnson.
“They play with a lot of confidence and they are very difficult to face.”
Then there’s the rivalry between the Alouettes and the REDBLACKS. Last season the teams met three times, with Ottawa sweeping the season series. Johnson hopes to remain on the winning side in the head-to-head rivalry.
“Every game is a fierce confrontation between us because the cities are close in proximity. I am very excited to be on the Alouettes’ side for these games.”
For the home opener, which will take place on June 30 against the REDBLACKS, Johnson will face his former team for the first time.
“Facing Ottawa for the home opener will reinforce my confidence on the field. I am already excited for this game and to give it my all for my new teammates.”
