AJ #35

Amar Johnson

Running Back · South Dakota State

Undrafted South Dakota State workhorse who helped the Jackrabbits win back-to-back FCS national titles before catching on with the Chargers.

Amar Johnson spent four years piling up rushing yards for one of the FCS's premier programs before going unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft. After a stint with the Green Bay Packers, he landed with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he is now fighting for a role in the backfield as a rookie.

★ 2x FCS national champion (South Dakota State, 2022-2023)

★ 2x first-team All-MVFC (2023, 2024)

★ 3,196 career rushing yards at South Dakota State

★ 1,222 rushing yards, 14 TDs as a senior in 2024

Path to the league

Johnson played running back at South Dakota State from 2021 to 2024, first sharing the backfield with Isaiah Davis and then taking over as the lead back once Davis left for the NFL. He finished his college career with 3,196 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns on 537 carries, plus 518 receiving yards, and was part of Jackrabbit teams that won FCS national championships in 2022 and 2023. He went undrafted in April 2025 and signed with Green Bay before being waived, then joined the Chargers' practice squad in September 2025.

Career highlights

A two-time first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection (2023-24), Johnson set career highs as a senior with 1,222 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns and 6.4 yards per carry. His 3,196 career rushing yards rank among the best in South Dakota State program history.

2025 season recap

Johnson signed a reserve/futures contract with the Chargers in January 2026 after developing on the practice squad through the fall. In limited regular-season action, he appeared in 2 games, carrying twice for 8 yards with a long of 6, and was targeted once without a catch.