History in the Making: Zey 'Z-Train' Johnson's Road to Greatness

Despite the accomplishment, Johnson said he did not know he had broken the record until about 30 minutes after the game, when he received a congratulatory text message from Central assistant coach Zach Cook.

"It was just kind of a surreal feeling, honestly," Johnson said on Tuesday after practice. "Like just looking back on last year, man, it was like I thought I was having a great season, then finished with 1,000. I just wanted more, and now I'm here breaking the record, approaching 2,000. Like, I'm just grateful to be in this situation."

The milestone comes one year after Johnson rushed for 1,042 yards as a sophomore.

Earlier this season, Johnson set Central's single-game rushing record with 353 yards against Belton in Week 4, and the accolades keep coming.

Johnson credited his offensive line and teammates for helping him reach the milestone, emphasizing that the record was not an individual accomplishment.

"I just got to give you a shoutout to the O-line like Kayden Cervantes, Parker Havercroft, Austin Gebauer, Jose Ibarra, and then Jeffrey Flood," Johnson said. "Even the defensive guys we bring in, like Solomon Ma'afu, Riley Oines and Tucker Beaty. It's just I couldn't do this without them, and they do an amazing job up front blocking for me."

But how did Johnson get here? Zey said that he's been a football fan all his life, growing up watching highlight videos on YouTube and practicing his future running style at an early age. His mother helped him get involved in the sport and taught him the fundamentals of football.

Johnson said former NFL running back Mark Ingram and current Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry are among the players he enjoys watching.

His physical running style has become a defining characteristic of his game. Anyone who has seen Zey play knows exactly what that looks like. When the Z-Train is coming, get out of the way or get run over.

"I think I bring some great contact balance. I'm never going to go down with the first guy," Johnson said. "And I'm very violent when I run the ball. I probably look to hit you first, not juke you, and I'm gonna show emotion on the field, and that's it."

Johnson believes there is still room for improvement, particularly with his speed.

Zey joined the track team last spring to improve his running mechanics and ability to finish long runs. He said his longest touchdown run increased from approximately 38 yards last season to 70 yards this year.

"Track just helped a lot. It helped me build running form, the proper running form, and the top-end speed," Johnson said.

Johnson's development began early in his high school career as a freshman when head coach Mark Smith moved him from the freshman team to junior varsity. Johnson said playing against older competition helped prepare him for the varsity level as a sophomore.

He also credited former Central players Mason Van Sickle, Jaekob Jackson, Colton Hill and Jimmy Edwards for setting examples he wanted to follow in the weight room and on the field.

With one more year of high school football remaining, Johnson has aspirations of continuing his career at the collegiate level.

"Division I is the goal, and I mean, there's not really anywhere specific I want to go," Johnson said. "But anywhere that offers me a free school, I'd go."

Johnson said his motivation to compete at the Division I level comes from wanting to experience an opportunity that relatively few football players receive.

Before turning his attention to next season, Johnson and the Bobcats have unfinished business this year.

Central will face El Paso Eastwood in the opening round of the playoffs at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Johnson said limiting turnovers and maintaining discipline will be critical if the Bobcats hope to advance.

"I think we just have to focus on staying disciplined, really, and just limiting the turnovers because that's our main focus," Johnson said.

Johnson also believes Central's difficult district schedule has prepared the team for postseason competition.

"We're very confident," Johnson said. "As Coach Smith said, they haven't met the Bobcats ... so it's a new season."

Beyond the school record, Johnson has another milestone within reach. At 247 yards short of 2,000, the Z-Train will have another opportunity to make history Friday.

Johnson believes he can get there.

"Not a lot of people can rush for 2,000 yards in just any level of football," Johnson said. "I think I can do that."

Although the record has brought Johnson recognition around campus, he said the support of his family remains the most meaningful part of his success.

Johnson specifically mentioned his mother and grandmother, who regularly attend his games. He said his grandmother's cheering is often recognizable even among thousands of fans.

"I'm very grateful for my grandma. She's the loudest, and I just love to see her at the game," Johnson said. "And it's just my mom and grandma who I do it for."