Randell Johnson played his college football in Boca Raton, just forty minutes from his native Miami. Now, he will travel almost 1,400 miles to his next destination — Buffalo.

The Bills selected Johnson, who played both defensive end and linebacker, with the 221st pick of the seventh round, making him the second FAU Owl chosen in this draft — a first time occurrence for a program that is only ten years old. Cornerback Keith Reaser went to San Francisco in the fifth round.

Johnson had an impressive Pro Day that resulted in him hearing from several teams in past weeks — including the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. For his efforts last season, he was named the FAU Football Iron Man of the year.

Johnson came close to becoming “Mr. Irrelevant,” a nickname referring to whoever becomes last pick of the draft each year. He is the first Owl to ever be picked in the seventh round and the second on an NFL roster in New York — former FAU quarterback Rusty Smith signed with the New York Giants on the April 28.

There were fifteen players at the the FAU Pro Day, two of which were drafted — meaning the other thirteen will vie for jobs as undrafted free agents. Not uncommon as former FAU wide receiver Lestar Jean went undrafted and signed with the Houston Texans in 2011. Former FAU linebacker David Hinds also signed with the Miami Dolphins after going undrafted in 2011.
Among those undrafted are Johnson’s fellow linebacker Cory Henry who set a career record for sacks last season, and running back Damian Fortner, who played very near the end of his senior season after the departure of former head coach Carl Pelini.