Ian Johnson, who is best known for a romatic proposal to his now wife Chrissy Popadics and as one of the greatest running backs in Boise State history, works at ESI Construction in Boise. He’s also the host and technical producer of Xtreme 4x4, the first serious off-road how-to show on PowerBlock TV. He’s been the host of the series for 14 years and continues to set the standard in off-road builds.

After a breakout year in which he rushed for 1,712 yards and 25 touchdowns, Johnson made his mark on college football history with an amazing performance in the Fiesta Bowl. He exploded for 240 yards against Oregon State, breaking multiple tackles and pulling multiple Beaver players along for the ride. That was one of the top performances in Division I-A history and a major highlight for BSU’s 2006 season.

When Dan Hawkins was fired after the 2006 season, he left behind an offense that could not have been more talented. With quarterback Jared Zabransky, wide receivers Drisan James, Jerard Rabb and Legedu Naanee, tight end Derek Schouman and guards Ryan Clady and Tad Miller blocking up front, the Broncos were a force to be reckoned with in college football.

Ian Johnson is the Stephen A. Schwarzman senior fellow for China studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and is a frequent contributor to media outlets in the United States. He writes on Chinese politics, society, and religion, and closely follows China’s efforts to bolster its soft power around the world. He is the author of The Souls of China: The Return of Religion After Mao and Wild Grass: Three Stories of Change in Modern China.