Freshman DB Zade Johnson brings starter-level size and early production to Albany
In the 2026 season, Zade Johnson has already shown up on the stat sheet for Albany, recording 4 tackles in the opener, with 3 solo stops and a forced fumble—an encouraging early sign for a freshman defensive back[4]. He comes in at 5-foot-10 and 191 pounds, a sturdy build for the position, and Albany’s 2025 recruiting release labeled him a 1st Team All-Greater Rochester defensive back from Malvern Prep[1][14]. The fit is intriguing: he looks like a physical, high-motor corner/safety type who can stick his nose in traffic and play with edge, even if the sample size is still tiny[4][7].
