GARLAND, Texas - As the United States Bowling Congress Collegiate program continues to grow each year, many of its talented players have used that experience as a steppingstone to the next level in the sport.

At this week's Bowlmor AMF U.S. Open at AMF Garland Lanes in Garland, Texas, several recent collegiate standouts are making that leap, including 2013-2014 National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association Most Valuable Player AJ Johnson of Oswego, Illinois.

Johnson, already a household name due to his collegiate success with McKendree University, got his first taste of individual national attention when he captured the top seed at the USBC Masters in February.

Although he finished second to Australian two-hander Jason Belmonte, who claimed the Masters crown for a third consecutive year, the 23-year-old Johnson proved he was ready for the professional ranks.

The right-handed Johnson finished his collegiate career as a three-time All-American and helped McKendree to a second-place finish at the 2013 Intercollegiate Team Championships. He credits his collegiate experience as a big factor in his continued success on the lanes.

"My time in college helped immensely," said Johnson, who also won the 2012 Junior Gold Championships, which earned him a spot on Junior Team USA. "When I came out of high school, I was a good bowler, but I didn't have the avenues to get better day in and out. In college, we bowled on tougher shots every day, and it made me a sharper and much better player, not only physically, but mentally as well."

After graduating with a degree in sports management, Johnson made the commitment to try his luck as a member of the Professional Bowlers Association this summer. He collected his first PBA Regional title in September and added a third-place finish at the PBA Xtra Frame Iowa Midwest Open in October.

"When I decided this was going to be the route to go after I graduated, I knew I just couldn't pick and choose events to bowl and be successful out there," said Johnson, who finished 17th at the 2013 U.S. Open. "I had to go out and bowl anything and everything. Everybody strives to win the U.S. Open and Masters. You need a bulldog mentality - take every shot seriously, don't waste anything and make each day the best it can be."

Johnson is joined this week by other recent collegiate standouts, including Devin Bidwell (Wichita State), Perry Crowell IV (Midland), Aaron Lorincz (Saginaw Valley State) and Cameron Weier (Robert Morris-Illinois). For those thinking about taking a similar path in their careers, Johnson offers some guidelines to success.

"It's a grind, you have to have a sharp mental game and you have to know what works for you," said Johnson, who helps coach the Metea Valley High School (Naperville, Illinois) girls bowling team. "Right after college, there are going to be some differences, but there's a reason why you bowled well in college and why you're going to come out here. Stick to the things that you do well, and be the best at what you're good at."

Competition at the 2015 U.S. Open continues Wednesday starting at 9 a.m. Eastern. Visit BOWL.com/USOpen for more information.