Kwiecinski: New Mizzou lineman Cam'Ron Johnson made a promise. You should believe him

On Saturday, Missouri football had one of its best days in a while.

After losing depth pieces and others to the transfer portal, MU coach Eli Drinkwitz finally got his chance to claim an addition of his own. In fact, he added two for good measure.

One was Nyles Gaddy, a defensive end transfer from Jackson State who instantly becomes a member of the pass rush rotation. The other was Houston offensive line transfer Cam'Ron Johnson, who instantly becomes one of the most impactful players on an offensive line that needs impactful players.

Johnson, whose commitment came down to Missouri, Colorado and USC, is coming to offer a solution. He gave a promise to the Tribune after his commitment.

"What fans can expect is a player that’s going to lead and give it all on the field," Johnson said. "I promise you the O-line will not be a problem this year."

I believe him.

He'll come through on that promise. Especially as his addition changes so much for the offensive line, literally.

First and foremost, Johnson makes Missouri's line better. Last year, MU's offensive line gave up 27 sacks and committed pre-snap and in-play penalties that hindered offensive production consistently and in the worst possible moments. I don't have to remind you how a false start against Georgia moved MU back from the one-yard line to the six and resulted in a field goal when a touchdown there could have made the difference.

Johnson solves that problem at one of the guard positions.

Johnson was a first-team All-AAC player last season. He started all 13 games at left guard for Houston and allowed just one sack in 905 plays under now-MU offensive line coach Brandon Jones.

That connection is important to note because Johnson can come in and play right away under Jones. He knows where he fits, and his coach should know the best ways to use him. Johnson can also be a translator for Jones, relaying what the first-year coach wants to teach MU's line and how he wants it.

That worked wonders with Missouri men's basketball, as Dennis Gates' transfers from Cleveland State helped institute that system which led the Tigers to one of their most successful seasons in the SEC. That's something that all sports can use.

Expect a vocal player, as Johnson sees himself as being more than just a successful player on the field.

"Mizzou was a great fit for me because I can come in and see myself leading on the offensive line and picking up what needs to be picked up," Johnson said. "Mizzou can be a force in the SEC."

The important thing is Johnson's belief. If he didn't believe Missouri could be a power, he could have gone to another Power 5 program.

There are plenty that could use a starting-caliber guard that only gave up one sack last year. Arkansas was going in on Johnson during his recruitment, and it's fair to assume other SEC teams were, too.

In choosing Missouri, not only does Johnson bring the production but he shakes up the entire offensive line for the better. The line is better overall, but it also becomes deeper.

Last year, MU tried every combination you can think of to solve the offensive line, especially at guard. EJ Ndoma-Ogar played well at left guard before he suffered a season-ending injury. Mitchell Walters and Connor Wood rotated back and forth. Luke Griffin saw time at right guard when Xavier Delgado was injured, too.

Assuming Johnson solves one of the guard positions, that gives Missouri the chance to fine-tune the guard position opposite of where Johnson starts. That could be Armand Membou, who was originally slated to slide into the left guard position opposite Delgado this spring.

However, with a new coach and so many new pieces, that might change. The one position that seems locked down is Javon Foster's left tackle spot, which should be the case. Foster was an All-SEC second-team player.

Membou played time at tackle last year, and Drinkwitz noted in February that one of his regrets from last season was not playing Armand Membou sooner at tackle. Eastern Michigan transfer Marcellus Johnson earned positive reviews starting spring practices.

Whatever the final decision is on the starting five, MU's offensive line will be for the better because of Johnson. He promised, and it's up to him to deliver now.

His production speaks for itself, but he added on a promise for good measure. Believe what Johnson has to say.

"We just need the pieces for it," Johnson said. "I feel like I am one of those pieces."

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Kwiecinski: Behind new Mizzou lineman Cam'Ron Johnson's promise