CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Ryan Johnson is getting ready to move away from his home state for the first time in his life.

The Cartersville, Georgia native began his college baseball journey at Georgia Tech during his freshman year. Coming from a prominent role in high school, his first collegiate year marked a notable shift in pace. He describes this as a humbling experience.

“It was quite different,” Johnson explained. “It required a different mindset… It was definitely humbling… For me, the key lesson was understanding that just because this year didn’t go as planned, it doesn’t mean I’m not the same skilled baseball player I was before. I’m still talented, and so are my teammates.”

Johnson emphasizes that confidence is crucial for his performance. In the summer of 2025, he will be pitching for the Cartersville Cannons in the Sunbelt League, right in his hometown.

Illinois wasn’t on his radar when he entered the transfer portal. However, conversations with a number of Illini coaches, including new pitching coach Dillon Napoleon, won him over.

He’s also excited to play in a true college town after the freshman campaign in Atlanta.