The 2025 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson plans on taking full advantage. Johnson recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.

Johnson also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his abilities as an explosive receiver, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Johnson better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.

JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?

Tez Johnson: I was actually in the elevator at Oregon (laughs). I got a text from one of our coaching analysts. She told me she had something for me. I went to see her and she had the Reese’s Senior Bowl box in her hands. I was like oh, wow.

I’m a kid who comes from Alabama. The Senior Bowl is a big deal to us.

JM: Was that your motivation for accepting the Senior Bowl’s offer? Being you’re a local?

Tez Johnson: I’m a hometown kid, yeah. The Senior Bowl, it’s literally where I’m from. It’s giving me a chance to go home. It’s convenient for my family members to come watch me perform and compete, a lot of my former teammates as well.

This is a huge deal to me. I’m going back home to be a part of the Senior Bowl tradition. It means a lot to the kids in our community. I can’t wait to see everybody down there.

JM: The Senior Bowl is going to be extra special for you. What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?

Tez Johnson: I want to prove that I belong. I’m one of those players who can change the game and swing momentum in our favor. I’m going to have a positive impact on the team and our culture. I’m a guy that gives it my all no matter what. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win.

I’m always willing to put the work in. I love getting better at something, even if it’s something I don’t necessarily like doing. If you challenge me to be better, I’m going to work at it. How can I get better and become great? I’m one of those guys.

I definitely belong at this level. Whichever team takes a chance on me, they’re never going to regret it.

JM: We love your mindset. How would Tez Johnson write his own scouting report? Describe your skill set for us from a traits and ability perspective.

Tez Johnson: I’m twitchy and fast. I can definitely get physical at the line of scrimmage. I can turn a routine five-yard play into a 60-yard touchdown. I’m relentless. I’m always going to find a way to win, regardless of the circumstances.

I play with a certain type of energy that is contagious to my teammates.

JM: Does Tez Johnson have a favorite route to run?

Tez Johnson: I love the dig route and a deep out route. I love those two routes. If I really want to make a highlight play though, make the defense look silly, I’ll run a five-yard stop route. Let me get the ball in my hands as quickly as you can. From there, I’ll do what God blessed me with.

JM: Do you see yourself playing inside-outside at the next level? Or do you think there’s a role that fits you best, say maybe as the designated slot receiver?

Tez Johnson: I can play all three wide receiver positions. I’m one of those guys who can play on the outside and create a mismatch against those bigger, slower cornerbacks. I can run past those corners. They can’t keep up with me.

When I’m playing the slot, I’m a tough cover for safeties and nickel corners. I’m versatile.

JM: You can do damage from a lot of different spots. What’s on the pre-game playlist?

Tez Johnson: I listen to a lot of YTB Fatt (laughs). It’s crazy, I don’t know if people know who that is. I listen to YTB Fatt, man. His music makes me want to run through a brick wall. He hypes me up. He’s pretty new. He’s one of the best rappers out right now in my opinion.

JM: I’m not familiar with him (laughs). At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Tez Johnson?

Tez Johnson: It means I’m going to put my best foot forward. No matter what I do out there, I’m going to stay true to myself and play my game. I’m going to be great in the meeting room as well. I’m trying to get better throughout my week at the Senior Bowl. I’m going to be coachable.

Whatever the scouts want to see from me, I’m going to do that to the best of my ability. I’m going to show them I belong. There isn’t a slot receiver better than me in this draft. I’ve been proving it my entire life. No matter what.

There are still people out there that don’t believe I belong. I’m definitely going to prove them wrong.