Arizona defensive back Dalton Johnson accepted an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl on Tuesday.
The East-West Shrine Bowl is a showcase at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and features draft-eligible prospects leading up to the NFL Draft.
Former Arizona running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt starred in the East-West Shrine Bowl last season and was named Offensive MVP.
Johnson is the latest Wildcat to accept an invitation to a draft showcase, joining defensive back Treydan Stukes, who is expected to play in the Reese's Senior Bowl next month.
Johnson has the sixth-most tackles (97) in the Big 12 this season — the most by a defensive back. Johnson, Stukes and cornerback Jay'Vion Cole are tied for the second-most interceptions (4) in the Big 12 this season.
Johnson is on pace to become the first Arizona defensive back since Darrell Brooks in 2004 and '05 to lead the Wildcats in tackles in back-to-back seasons. Johnson's 97 tackles are more than his season total from last year.
Johnson ended the season earning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors twice. He had 18 tackles in Arizona's home finale against Baylor, the most tackles by a Wildcat since Scooby Wright III in 2014. Johnson also had an interception and a forced fumble the following week against ASU in the Territorial Cup.
Arizona defensive back Dalton Johnson (43) against BYU in the first half, Oct. 11, 2025, in Tucson.
Johnson ended the regular season as an All-Big 12 and Associated Press All-Big 12 first-team selection. Johnson and Stukes are the first defensive back tandem from the UA to earn first-team all-conference honors since Bob White and Jackie Wallace in 1972.
The East-West Shrine Bowl is on Jan. 27 at 4 p.m. on NFL Network.
