What a difference a year can make. A year ago Johnny Johnson wrapped up non-league play with a 3-catch, 70-yard performance against San Jose State. It was far and away his best outing of the 2018 season. In fact, Johnson caught multiple passes on just two occasions from there, and wound up with a measly 10 catches for 71 yards in nine Pac-12 games.

Fast forward to now, and the junior from Chandler (Ariz.) has the look of Justin Herbert's new go-to target. On Saturday, he turned in a career-bests in receptions (eight) and touchdowns (2) and nearly reached his yardage total too (the 76 yards are 22 shy of the 98 he had against Auburn).

In three non-league games, Johnson already has more catches (19) and yards (223) than he did during all of 2018. Both are also team-leading stats.

“I have my more confidence right now than I have in my entire life," he said when asked what's been different so far this fall.

“I think it was a mindset change. I’ve always been a hard worker, but I implemented a lot things, and I knew it was my time to shine."

Quarterback Justin Herbert's confidence in Johnson never dwindled last season, he said following the team's 35-3 win over Montana.

“I’ve had complete confidence in him the past few years," he said. "He’s one of those guys who shows up and works as hard as anyone. I trust him. The entire team trusts him. He makes play. It’s been fun to watch."

What has Johnson needed to change to become a leader for the position group?

Aside from increased confidence, he says he's worked on being more accountable, recognizing perfection is required to be great and "showing the way" for the younger receivers.

Johnson has taken great pride in what he's seen from the team's "younger dudes" at receiver in three non-league games. Players like Bryan Addison and Josh Delgado have caught his eyes in particular. In non-league games, those two players have shown flashes. Delgado ranks fourth on the team in receiving yards with 78 yards, while Addison is one of nine players who've posted a touchdown reception.

"I’m happy for these young dudes," he said. "They’re showing they can do everything that we ask them to do."

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Still, Johnson knows how much better the unit can be once it's at full strength. He highlighted injured freshman Mycah Pittman as someone who will "do great things" once he returns from a shoulder injury. The same could be said for Brenden Schooler and grad transfer Juwan Johnson. That trio has yet to see the field this season.

“I think he adds more threat," Johnson said of Juwan Johnson. "The young dudes have stepped up and made big plays for us, but with all the football he’s played and all the things he’s done in the past, I think he’s going to be a great weapon for the team."