Honestly, if you just looked at the roster sheet, you’d probably overlook him. In a sport full of giants and physical specimens who look like they were built in a lab, Tez Johnson stands out precisely because he doesn't fit the mold. You've likely seen him darting between defenders like a glitch in a video game, making guys six inches taller look like they're running in sand.
So, how tall is Tez Johnson, really?
Depending on which program you pick up, the answer shifts a bit. The official Oregon Ducks roster and his recent profile with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers list him at 5 feet 10 inches. However, if you're a draft nerd who follows the official NFL Combine measurements—where they use the laser-accurate scales and sticking tape—he actually measured in at 5 feet 9 7/8 inches. Basically, he’s a hair under that 5'10" mark, though in the heat of a game, he plays like he's 6'2".
The Tape Doesn't Tell the Whole Story
People obsess over height in football because they think it equals "catch radius." But Tez is the living proof that being "undersized" is a mindset. During his time at Oregon, he wasn't just a body on the field; he was a record-breaker. He hauled in 86 receptions in a single season (2023), shattering the school record.
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Think about that for a second.
In a program that has produced NFL legends and speedsters, it was the 165-pound kid from Pinson, Alabama, who put his name at the top of the list. His weight is actually the number that usually surprises people more than his height. At the NFL Combine, he weighed in at a light 154 pounds. That makes him one of the leanest receivers to ever get drafted into the league. But what he lacks in "meat on the bones," he makes up for with a 37-inch vertical and a 40-yard dash time of 4.51 seconds.
Why the Height Debate Actually Matters for Tez Johnson
There’s a reason scouts were so split on him before the 2025 NFL Draft. When you’re under 5'10", the NFL usually pigeons you into a "slot only" role. They assume you can't handle the physicality of the outside.
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- Press Coverage Problems: Bigger cornerbacks try to "jam" Tez at the line. Because he has a shorter reach (his arms measured just under 30 inches), he has to use pure footwork to avoid getting stuck.
- The "Tank Dell" Comparison: Scouts often compare him to Houston Texans star Tank Dell. Like Tez, Dell was told he was too small and too light. Now, he’s a nightmare for NFL defenses.
- The Scrappy Factor: You don’t survive at 154 pounds in the Big Ten or the NFL without being tough. Tez is known for his "lightning quickness" and ability to sink his hips in and out of breaks, which makes height irrelevant if the defender can't even touch him.
A Journey Beyond the Numbers
The story of Tez Johnson isn’t just about inches and pounds. It’s actually a pretty wild story of family. He’s often referred to as Bo Nix’s adopted brother. Back when they were in high school at Pinson Valley, the Nix family took Tez in.
They weren't just teammates; they became brothers.
They played together in high school, and eventually, Tez followed Bo to Oregon after a stellar stint at Troy University. That connection on the field was psychic. When Bo Nix was drafted by the Broncos, Tez was right there. And when Tez was selected in the 7th round of the 2025 Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it capped off one of the most unique journeys in college football history.
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What the Measurements Mean for the Future
If you're watching him on Sundays now, don't expect him to be winning many jump-ball battles in the corner of the end zone against a 6'3" cornerback. That’s just not his game.
Instead, look for him on those quick slants, bubble screens, and punt returns. His "smallness" is his greatest weapon because he can hide behind offensive linemen and then explode into the open field before the linebackers even realize he's there.
Next Steps for Fans and Analysts
- Watch the 10-Yard Split: If you want to see why he succeeds despite his height, watch his first two steps. His 1.53-second 10-yard split is elite and explains how he creates immediate separation.
- Track the YAC: Follow his "Yards After Catch" (YAC) stats. For a smaller receiver, this is the metric that proves whether they can survive the hits.
- Check the Bucs Roster: Keep an eye on how Tampa Bay utilizes him. Smaller receivers like Tez often thrive in "motion" heavy offenses where they get a running start before the snap.