"When it comes to the current MTSU football team, there may be no better example of new head coach Derek Mason’s ideology than C.J. Johnson. The defensive back has faced his fair share of disadvantages throughout his football career, but those challenges created a chip on his shoulder, establishing the drive and focus he has to outwork any competition he has built up throughout his life. “We are blue-collar, hard-working folks waiting for an opportunity to be great, so let’s be great.” Mason announced at his introductory press conference in December. That chip has created a focus on the details that began at the high school level under Riverdale head coach Will Kriesky. “C.J. is a very detail-oriented person, and watching him soak in every last word or demonstration a coach did was impressive,” Kriesky said. “He wanted to make sure he did all the little things the right way. He would never cut corners on a drill or a team period. Doing things the right way was the only way for C.J.” "