The Dignity Health Training Center is 1,876 miles away from the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, the indoor practice facility at Ohio State University where left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. created a name for himself.
When he made the trek to the Valley as the Cardinals' first-round pick in 2023, he was the lone Buckeye in the building.
It only took two years for Tempe to become Ohio State West with the amount of Buckeyes in the building.
"I think this team has a lot of that college vibe and that's what you want because you want that sort of connection with your team where you like being around these guys, on and off the field," Johnson said. "Every time we have an Ohio State guy, I'm able to instantly tell, not only my position room but the leaders of those positions the kind of guy they're going to get."
First, Johnson reunited with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024. Prior to the trade deadline, the Cardinals acquired outside linebacker Baron Browning, who Johnson shared time with in Columbus. This past draft, the Cardinals brought in linebacker Cody Simon and cornerback Denzel Burke, plus signed offensive lineman Josh Fryar as an undrafted free agent.
Across the NFL, the Cardinals are tied with the Steelers for third in most players on the roster from one school. The Eagles lead the league with eight Georgia Bulldogs and seven players from Alabama, followed by the Packers roster which features seven Bulldogs.
"There is value in coming from a winning organization with guys that are used to winning, having seen it, (and having) played at the highest level," general manager Monti Ossenfort said. "I think another added benefit is the competition that those guys practice against every day."
Ossenfort highlighted Burke, who practiced against Harrison and four other wide receivers who were drafted in the first round. Players like Burke, Johnson, and Harrison credited their collegiate days towards preparing themselves for the NFL.
"When you go to Ohio State, obviously the goal you want to get to is getting to the next level," Harrison said. "We're able to resonate with a culture, understanding what the culture is, and being able to be leaders of that culture."
According to Johnson, the aforementioned culture instilled at the Big Ten institution allows them to prosper because of "how they work, train, and the standard that they have for themselves, on and off the field."
The offseason was spent, not only upgrading the roster, but upgrading the coaching staff. Among the many hires, Justin Frye joins the Cardinals as the offensive line coach following three seasons with Ohio State where he coached Johnson and Fryar.
With a multitude of young and new voices, the energy brings Harrison back to his days repping the Scarlet and Gray. Harrison joked about how he and his fellow Buckeyes have reminisced about the 6 a.m. workouts that they don't need to do anymore.
"When you first get out of college, you still want to keep that college environment where you're just really playing the game you love with your boys," Harrison said. "This is kind of what it feels like."
The one thing that remains true is the disdain the Ohio State guys feel towards the team from Ann Arbor. While Paris is excited to be teammates with Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, the college rivalry doesn't disappear.
"In practice I ran past Will, and I was high-fiving the DBs, and he put his hand out, but I took my hand away and I was like 'I don't touch anybody from The Team Up North,'" Johnson said with a smile. "I'm already talking a little bit."
