A standout player in college with a rough start in the NFL, Tampa Bay has given running back Storm Johnson a second chance in the National Football League that he is not taking lightly.

As a successful running back during his three years for the UCF Knights, he posted 1,765 rushing yards, 335 carries, and 22 touchdowns. He ended his collegiate career in 2013 with five 100-yard rushing games after rushing for 1,139 yards on 213 carries, with 14 touchdowns, but his introduction to the NFL didn’t reflect those stats. Tampa Bay hopes he brings his UCF talent to the Bucs offense, and his optimism about his own future in Tampa and in the NFL can’t be brought down.

Last Thursday Johnson spoke to PewterReport.com and said “the sky is the limit,” and his passion for the game keeps pushing him towards his goals. Being cut by Jacksonville prior to the 2015 season only fueled that fire.

“It was almost taken away from me and I’m just happy I had the chance to come out here and prove my worth,” Johnson said.

Johnson was drafted in the seventh round by the Jaguars in 2014, but the former Knights standout was released just prior to the start of the 2015 season.

Johnson feels he has even more to prove now in Tampa.

“I always have a chip on my shoulder when I step on the football field.”

Johnson recalls getting in contact with the Bucs and was given a chance to play on the field again.

“They just reached out and asked if I was in shape and had been keeping in shape and ready to go and I said ‘yeah of course’ and so they just sent me on a tryout and it went from there.”

So how is Johnson taking to his new environment?

“I’m meshing with the guys pretty well and the coaches also, so I’m liking it out here” Johnson said. “You know its always different, but just to see how Doug [Martin, RB] works and to see how Chuck [Sims, RB] and all the other guys work and just to follow behind them and how they lead… it really helps me.”

He’ll be seeing some familiar faces soon, though, when the Bucs begin joint training camp practices with the Jaguars. When asked if there was any trepidation on what that may be like for him, he answered with a laugh.

“I’m just trying to get better every day, so I’ll be looking forward to it.”

Johnson had a word of advice for those that may doubt the Georgia native.

“Just keep watching.”