Former Offensive Lineman Johnson Joins Football Professional Ranks

Former William Paterson offensive lineman Dashawn Johnson signed on to the practice squad of the Arena Football League’s (AFL) Cleveland Gladiators. The signing came on the heels of his selection as one of 28 undrafted players invited to the NFL’s Green Bay Packers rookie orientation camp and tryout on May 17.

A member of the 2013 All-New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Second Team, Johnson started in all nine of his appearances at left tackle. The 6’ 4”, 310-pound lineman saw action in 37 games during his four-year career as a Pioneer (2010-13), starting 31 times. He capped his time at William Paterson by participating in the 2014 Dream Bowl Senior Football All-Star Game in January 2014 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Johnson is the third Pioneer to draw the interest of pro scouts during the last five years. Former cornerback Leer Biddle signed with the AFL’s Philadelphia Soul in 2012, and wide receiver Joel Rivera received a tryout with the New York Jets in 2010.