After the seven-round NFL Draft concluded Saturday without former Kansas tight end Ben Johnson hearing his name called, the pro prospect from nearby Basehor discovered there was an organization interested in giving him a shot.
Johnson told the Journal-World he agreed to a rookie free agent deal with the Los Angeles Chargers.
In his final season with the Jayhawks, Johnson made 30 receptions, totaling 363 yards, with one touchdown. The 6-foot-5 tight end played in all 12 games in 2017, and made a career-long catch of 57 yards in the season-opener, against Southeast Missouri State.
Before enrolling at KU, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences, Johnson was a prep standout at Basehor-Linwood High and a three-star recruit, according to Rivals.
