TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston was among the 31 picks in the first round of last week’s NFL draft. 

The Los Angeles Chargers selected Johnston as their first pick, 21st overall late Thursday evening.

“When I first got my name called it was a mix of emotions,” said Johnston. “I was already telling my mom she is going to retire and my whole family. But now that the emotions have settled in, I am ready to get to work.”

By the time the draft ended on Saturday, eight Horned Frogs had their names called. TCU had the fourth-most draft picks in the nation. 

The night every football player dreams of began last Thursday, April 27, with the first round of the draft. 

Johnston hosted his draft party in Dallas, but took the much-anticipated call in a private room.

Johnston spoke to Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley and owner Dean Spanos.

“The first thing they asked me was, ‘Are you ready?’” said Johnston. “They said that in the first interview I had with them at the combine, I blew it out of the water and it was a no-brainer after that.”

Johnston is one of three Frogs who could don a Chargers uniform — wide receiver Derius Davis was chosen in the fourth round and quarterback Max Duggan was chosen in the seventh. The San Diego Chargers selected TCU Board of Trustees member and NFL Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson with the No. 5 pick in 2001.

Kendre Miller, who went to the New Orleans Saints in the third round Friday night, is the first TCU running back since LaDainian Tomlinson to be selected within the first three rounds.

“I appreciate the Saints and everyone who supported me up to this point,” said Miller. “Frog nation, I love you for life.”

He said learning from running back Alvin Kamara will help him transition into the league.

“I just want to come in and learn from [Kamara],” said Miller. “Early on I want to build that foundation that I’m here to work.”

Johnston, who is from Temple, Texas, had a message for young people who are following his career. 

“Dreams like this may seem far-fetched, because they did for me when I was that young. At the same time you have a goal in mind,” Johnston said. “If you put the work in day in and day out it almost becomes an obsession and you become obsessed so long it becomes a habit. You look up and you’re in the position you want to be in.”

Johnston said he’s excited to get to Los Angeles to meet his new team and learn from the Chargers starting quarterback Justin Herbert.

“I’m going on the first day picking at his brain,” said Johnston. “I’m not coming in to sit in the back of the room.” 

He said being picked in the first round comes with more than just money. 

“I also want to prove it to the people that aren’t one-hundred percent sold on me,” Johnston said. 

The Chargers social media team was quick to create a strong bond between both the Chargers and the TCU fanbase.

Offensive lineman Steve Avila was selected in the second round by the Los Angeles Rams as the 36th overall pick. The Rams snagged cornerback Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson in the sixth round. 

California couldn’t get enough of TCU players. Linebacker Dee Winters is going up north after being taken by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round. 

Defensive end Dylan Horton was drafted in the fourth round to the Houston Texans.

Three Frogs signed as undrafted free agents: 

• Offensive lineman Alan Ali – Minnesota Vikings
• Running back Emari Demercado – Arizona Cardinals
• Wide receiver Taye Barber – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Two additional Horned Frogs were invited to rookie mini camps, which could lead to them being signed:

• The New Orleans Saints invited wide receiver Gunnar Henderson 
• The New York Giants invited defensive lineman Lwal Uguak

Former Frogs were also picked up in this year’s draft. Running back Zach Evans and defensive end Oshaun Mathis will join Avila and Hodges-Tomlinson on the Los Angeles Rams.