At Palatka High School, Johnson earned all-state, all-county and all-district honors in 2000. He helped Palatka to a 29-6 record in three years. He was rated No. 60 in Florida by the Orlando Sentinel and was named Bill Buchalter's Best of the Rest wide receiver in Florida. He played in the Florida-Georgia High School All-Star Game after compiling 30 receptions for 611 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior.

Johnson also excelled in basketball. He led his team in scoring three times and in rebounding as a senior, earning all-state honors as well as district MVP accolades. He was the MVP of Team Florida and earned AAU All-America honors.

Johnson redshirted in 2001 at Central Florida. He played in every game in 2002, leading the special team coverage unit with seven tackles and catching one pass for a 2-yard score. Johnson took over tight end duties in 2003, coming up with 14 catches for 238 yards (17.0 avg) and three touchdowns. He also recorded five tackles (4 solos).

Johnson started 10 times as a junior, ranking third on the squad with 30 receptions for 244 yards (8.1 avg), and also posted a solo tackle. Johnson earned all-Conference USA second-team honors in 2005. He ranked third on the squad with 36 catches for 435 yards (12.1 avg) and with touchdowns while adding one solo tackle.

In 48 games at Central Florida, Johnson started 35 times. He caught 81 passes for 919 yards (11.3 avg) and six touchdowns while recording 14 tackles (8 solos) on special teams. He also had a 22-yard kickoff return.

New York Giants' Darcy Johnson pulls in a pass and runs downfield during the first practice on Friday, July 28, 2006, in Albany, N.Y. >>