'Surreal': Xavier Johnson beams about being Ohio State football's Block O recipient

In his first five years at Ohio State, Xavier Johnson wore four different jersey numbers.

He wasn’t looking for a fifth.

But his final one is the most special. The former walk-on is this year’s recipient to wear the Block O jersey number, an Ohio State tradition that began in 2020 to honor the legacy of Buckeye legend Bill Willis.

“It was definitely surreal,” Johnson said. “In that moment, I was overcome with emotion because of everything I’ve been through with the guys. All that emotion came to the forefront when I heard my name called.”

Johnson might hold the Buckeye record for most uniform numbers. He wore No. 19 as a freshman – he was a cornerback then – then 8, then 25 and finally 10 last year.

“My parents buy jerseys every year, and I’ve changed the numbers five out of my six years, so that’s been kind of hard on them,” Johnson said.

Based on the video Ohio State released after the Block O announcement, Jeffrey and Juanita Johnson are unlikely to fret about buying their son’s latest jersey.

They have shared his journey, which has included plenty of bumps. The Cincinnati native thought he might make an immediate splash, even as a walk-on. When that didn’t happen, he became discouraged.

“When I reflect on my career here, it hasn’t gone exactly how I would have drawn it up,” Johnson said. “But it’s been beautiful in its own right. When coach (Ryan) Day honored me with being the Block O representative, it was something I definitely didn’t take lightly.”

Johnson persevered and eventually earned playing time, even in a receivers room loaded with elite talent. Last year, he caught a pivotal touchdown pass in the win against Notre Dame and made a nifty spin move to cap a 37-yard touchdown catch against Georgia.

Johnson also had a 71-yard run against Indiana in which he weaved through multiple would-be tacklers. The Buckeyes play the Hoosiers in Saturday’s season opener, and Johnson will wear his new number with the pride of a player who knows he has earned it.

“It makes it that much sweeter,” Johnson said. “50 Cent said, ‘Joy wouldn’t feel so good if it wasn’t for the pain.’ Going through all that and maturing in the way I did, I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Xavier Johnson revels in being Ohio State football's Block O honoree