Following the release of former NFL wideout Austin Duke, the Barcelona Dragons of the European League of Football have found his replacement just days later in Colorado School of Mines (NCAA, DII) alumni Josh Johnston.
Johnston redshirted for the Orediggers in 2017 and saw little action in 2018. But in 2019, Johnston exploded onto the scene. In three years with the Orediggers, Johnston racked up 2,905 yards and 40 touchdowns on 188 receptions.
During his college career, the 6 ‘2, 195-pound receiver earned a number of accolades including Don Hansen Second-Team All-America, NFFCC First-Team All-Colorado, First-Team All-RMAC and ended his Mines career ranked fourth all-time in receiving yards and second in touchdowns.
Johnston’s outstanding run earned him a spot in the Denver Broncos mini-camp following his completion of a MSc degree in Engineering and Technology Management in 2022 but released shortly afterwards.
Johnston will now be heading for a Dragons squad who, despite being one of the hottest teams in 2022, have lost a number of key pieces. Their front-room activity has raised a few eyebrows in recent months, but their apparent purchase (60% holding) by a group of American investors headed by former NFL player Malcolm Smith could well change things.