JACKSONVILLE – The timing may be right for Antonio Johnson
His feelings these days about football are good, too – with the third-year safety very much liking his situation as Jaguars 2025 Training Camp moves further into padded work this week at the Miller Electric Center.
There's a lot of new around the Jaguars – and for Johnson, new is good.
"I feel like as a player, I'm in the best shape of my life," he said.
Johnson, a fifth-round selection by the Jaguars in the 2023 NFL Draft, is entering '25 camp in a positive place with potential for a significant role this season. He likes the scheme being run by first-year defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, and Campanile in turn said he likes what the rangy and athletic Johnson can bring to the defense.
"There's a lot to like," Campanile said. "He's a big athlete, covers a lot of ground. He has good range, and he's physical. He's done a really good job studying. He has become a very good communicator for us.
"I'm pleased with his effort and how his camp has gone so far."
Those are encouraging words for Johnson, who enters 2025 playing for his third defensive coordinator – and in his third defensive scheme – in three NFL seasons.
If such change often isn't ideal, Johnson considers this specific change positive at a very important time.
The season is right around the corner and the Jaguars are preparing for a long ride ahead. Scroll to see cinematic shots from Day 6 of 2025 Training Camp. 🥵
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones (22) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive lineman B.J. Green II (95) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback De'Antre Prince (24) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive lineman Fred Johnson (74) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Jalen McLeod (53) and safety Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig (32) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive lineman Walker Little (72) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars head coach Liam Coen during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Foyesade Oluokun (23) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile and cornerback Tyson Campbell (3) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter (12) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive lineman Chuma Edoga (55) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars safety Andrew Wingard (42) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Jack Kiser (54) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter (12) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive lineman Anton Harrison (77) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett and offensive lineman Anton Harrison (77) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead (91) and defensive end Travon Walker (44) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Dyami Brown (5) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter (12) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) and defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton (52) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Joshua Cephus (80) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Dawuane Smoot (58) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive backs during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle Tyler Lacy (93) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd (0) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) and defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton (52) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars punter Logan Cooke (9) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars tight end Hunter Long (84) and running back LeQuint Allen Jr. (36) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars punter Logan Cooke (9) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars offensive lineman Fred Johnson (74) and head coach Liam Coen during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter (12) and offensive coordinator Grant Udinski during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) and wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter (12) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Austin Trammell (81) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter (12) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Dawuane Smoot (58) and defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (85) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars punter Logan Cooke (9) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running back Ja'Quinden Jackson (38) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars quarterback Seth Henigan (19) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell (3) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars director of strength and conditioning Eric Ciano during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback De'Antre Prince (24) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running back Ja'Quinden Jackson (38) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defense during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running back position group during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Eli Pancol (10) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running back Ja'Quinden Jackson (38) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Dawuane Smoot (58) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running backs Bhayshul Tuten (33), Travis Etienne Jr. (1) and LeQuint Allen Jr. (36) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars wide receiver Eli Pancol (10) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton (52) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton (52) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton (52) and defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Dawuane Smoot (58) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones (22) and assistant defensive backs coach Drew Lascari during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson (98) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars running backs Bhayshul Tuten (33), Travis Etienne Jr. (1) and LeQuint Allen Jr. (36) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
Jacksonville, Fla. — Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) during training camp at the Miller Electric Center on July 29, 2025.
"Third year, this is a big year for me," he said. "I want to come out and make plays and be the ballplayer I know I can be and be the ballplayer everybody else knows I can be. To do what I can do and be dominant …
"That's my main focus this year, to be dominant and let my presence be felt when I'm on the field – being a good teammate, just to be the best ballplayer I know I can be."
Campanile's scheme not only emphasizes violence and getting off blocks at the point of attack, it's a more zone-based scheme in the secondary than the man-to-man-centric scheme employed by then-coordinator Ryan Nielsen.
It's a scheme in which secondary players face the quarterback more than previously was the case, something Johnson said emphasizes his strengths.
"I love it," Johnson said. "Being able to be rangy, being able to break off the quarterback, bait the quarterback … I feel like that's something that's a part of my game that I wasn't able to display a lot because we were in a lot of man last year.
"This year, I feel like a lot of plays – not just for myself, but around the back seven – are going to be made because we have our eyes on the quarterback. Our back was to the ball a lot [last season] and it's just easier to play pass on different concepts and be able to make plays in the air."
Johnson, who has played in 30 games in two NFL seasons with 11 starts, has five career passes defensed and two interceptions with 72 tackles in 17 games played last season. He started the first six games last season, starting two thereafter – and said Tuesday he expects the experience gained his first two seasons to be valuable moving forward.
He, too, said playing alongside veterans such as 10th-year safety Eric Murray, seventh-year safety Andrew Wingard and ninth-year cornerback Jourdan Lewis has been a positive.
"Being able to play early, being able to improve my IQ of the game, helped me on the field and off the field," he said. "I have the guys around me where if I don't understand something I can go to and learn something each and every day.
"I'm just learning in general because I have guys in my room that are going into Year 10, and Year 7. That's a blessing. I can look up to those guys and I can learn a lot from them and that's a good thing. I'm just able to play ball. I feel free."
NOTABLE
- Middle linebacker Foyesade Oluokun on Tuesday said the Jaguars' defense has multiple themes entering '25 camp – chief among them stopping the run, limiting big plays and creating takeaways. Oluokun on Tuesday emphasized improving a run defense that ranked 25th in the NFL last season against the run at 132.5 yards per game. "We've got a lot of themes, but it all starts with stopping the run," Oluokun said. "Making the quarterback throw the ball, that's when a lot of takeaways happen. The quarterback turns the ball over the most, so if you don't stop the run, they're going to keep running it."
