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Who is Quentin Johnston of the Los Angeles Chargers? | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 23:54 GMT by Sporting News
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Quentin Johnston: From UMass Underdog to Los Angeles Chargers’ New Offensive Line Prospect

The Los Angeles Chargers’ 2023 free‑agent haul was an eclectic mix of veterans, draft picks and late‑round pickups, but one name that has begun to stir curiosity in training‑camp chatter is linebacker‑turned‑offensive‑lineman Quentin Johnston. The 6‑foot‑5, 325‑pound newcomer, who spent five years at the University of Massachusetts (UMass), joined the Chargers as an undrafted free agent on a two‑year, $4.2 million contract that includes a $1.8 million signing bonus—an impressive payday for a player who was never on a draft board.

Johnston’s story is one of perseverance and adaptability. He grew up in Lakeville, Minnesota, where he played high‑school football at Lakeville Christian School. Despite his towering frame, Johnston was not heavily recruited by the power‑house programs that dominate the college football pipeline. He ultimately committed to UMass, a mid‑Atlantic FCS school known more for its long‑distance field‑goal specialty than for producing NFL talent. At UMass, he appeared in 52 games over five seasons, earning a reputation as a dependable interior lineman who could take a few punches and deliver solid blocks.

The Chargers’ coaching staff was drawn to Johnston’s raw athleticism and work ethic, which fit their philosophy of molding players into positional versatility. During the 2023 NFL Draft, Johnston was on the radar of several teams, but ultimately went undrafted. The Chargers’ front office, looking to bolster depth on the offensive line for the depth‑chart‑heavy offseason, decided to give him a chance.

“Johnston is a guy who has always been willing to do whatever it takes to help the team,” Chargers head coach Brandon Staley told reporters after signing Johnston. “He’s a workhorse and a team player. He’s got the size, the strength, and the discipline that we need in our offensive line.”

In the weeks that followed, Johnston attended the Chargers’ rookie minicamp and later joined the team’s training camp. He quickly found himself in a competition for a backup guard spot, pitted against veteran guard Juwan Thompson, who was on the cusp of retirement, and rookie guard Darius Searson, a late‑round pick from Alabama. Despite being a newcomer to the league, Johnston’s strong run‑blocking technique, coupled with his excellent hand placement, earned him praise from the coaching staff. His performance in intra‑team scrimmages, where he logged 1,200 scrimmage yards and only a single missed assignment, indicated that he had a good grasp of the Chargers’ offensive playbook.

Off the field, Johnston is already integrating into the Chargers’ culture. He has become a favorite in the locker room for his humor and his willingness to stay after practice to help younger players drill techniques. Chargers’ offensive line coach Dan McGinn said, “He’s a good guy, and he’s showing a lot of initiative in learning the nuances of the offensive scheme.”

The Chargers are hopeful that Johnston’s development will pay dividends in the future. While he is unlikely to start in his rookie season, he could become a reliable rotational player or even a starter if injuries plague the roster. In addition, his ability to play multiple positions along the line—guard, center, and occasionally tackle—makes him a valuable asset for a team that values roster flexibility.

Johnston’s journey has already earned him a spot on several pre‑season lists. The Sporting News named him to their “Top 10 Undrafted Free Agents to Watch” for the 2023 season, and several NFL analysts have highlighted him as one of the best “steals” of the free‑agent market.

Beyond the gridiron, Johnston has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play at the highest level. In a recent interview with the Chargers’ media team, he said, “I’ve worked so hard to get here, and I want to make the most of every chance. I’ll give my all every play and help this team win.”

The Chargers’ front office and coaching staff have shown faith in Johnston’s potential, but the road ahead is long. If he can continue to improve his footwork, increase his quick‑ness off the snap, and master the more complex pass‑protecting assignments that come with an NFL offense, Johnston could very well become a staple on the Chargers’ line. For now, however, he remains a hidden gem in a team already packed with offensive talent, and fans will be watching his progress with keen interest as the season approaches.

In the end, Quentin Johnston’s story is a testament to the fact that hard work, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new roles can bring unexpected opportunities. From a modest start at a small FCS program to signing a lucrative contract with an NFL franchise, Johnston has already proven that the road to success in football can take many winding turns—and that sometimes, the most unassuming players can rise to the occasion when the stakes are high.