Bulls receiver Taji Johnson earns 2023-24 1-MAC Student-Athlete Award

UB Bulls wide receiver Taji Johnson has earned the Mid-American Conference's student-athlete award, presented to those that have shown tremendous impact and excellence in inclusion efforts.

The MAC last week announced its individual award winners for achievements in impact and excellence with the 1-MAC Administrator and Student-Athlete awards.

Johnson, who joined the Bulls this spring for his final year of eligibility, quickly made a lasting impact by organizing the "A Day in the Life" event for at-risk middle school students.

Through his partnership with TheTeam.org, a nonprofit focused on civic engagement and voter participation in college athletics, Johnson helped provide critical resources and support to students and their families. His efforts included arranging school supplies and connecting families with local services, addressing the diverse needs of the community.

In addition to organizing the event, Johnson fostered collaboration among student-athletes from various sports, creating a network that shared strategies and experiences to collectively support at-risk students. By emphasizing unity and teamwork, Johnson and his fellow student-athletes inspired resilience, leadership and academic excellence among the students they mentored.

Johnson's initiative has had a lasting impact on the Western New York community, demonstrating the powerful role that sports and community engagement can play in creating positive change. His leadership and compassion have left a meaningful legacy, showcasing how one individual can make a difference through dedication and action.

"I'm extremely proud of Taji Johnson for being the recipient of this year's 1-MAC student-athlete award," says Mark Alnutt, vice president and director of athletics. "As a graduate transfer, Taji has made a significant impact and contributed almost immediately after he arrived in Buffalo by engaging with our underserved community. He embodies what it means to utilize his platform, rally other student-athletes and make a difference in the community," Alnutt says.

"His efforts have made and will continue to make a lasting impression on the Western New York community and provide the necessary resources for at-risk students to be successful in school."

It marks the second straight year, and third overall, that a UB student-athlete has earned the award. Football's Max Michel won the award last year, while track and field's Devon Patterson took home the honor in 2018.