“We had to get used to each other,” he says. “Now it’s just repetition and getting them comfortable with the system.”

In his short time at the helm, Johnson has seen growth from his new charges.

“We’re progressing well,” he says. “The kids are picking up on everything well. Everything is a little more crisper.”

The Titans were 8-5 last year and return a solid core, including star senior Denzel Heath, a running back and linebacker, and senior lineman Tevin Stevenson. But it’s unclear who will replace the graduated Cole Blythe under center.

Senior Chandler Chase was Blythe’s backup last season, while junior Tijuan Sifford was the starting junior varsity quarterback. The two are helping each other and competing.

“Right now, it’s wide open,” says Johnson. “They both do similar things very well and they both do some things better than the other one.”

Johnson says both will likely play and see time at receiver, too.