A Name To Remember....

[Doomsdayblitz]

Brian Johnston: DE, Gardner-Webb, 6-5, 280, 4.75
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This guy is a beast! I don't care what school he comes from, this guy will make an inpact in the NFL.
Just a few stats to chew over:

Season Year GP GS Solo Asst TT TFL Sacks FF FR QBH
05-06 11 11 24 34 58 5 5 4 1 15

06-07 11 11 35 42 77 14 8 2 1 23

07-08 11 11 37 37 74 24 6 3 -- 22

Total -- 209 43 19 9 2 60

What really stands out to me aren't so much his sack totals, but the TFLs & QBHs. It seems like Johnston lives in the other teams' backfield. I know we need CBs, a big, penetrating NT, & a speed WR, but let's face it, Marcus Spears just ain't cutting it as a pass rusher. Hatcher has his moments, but we still need more pressure players who can get in there to harass the QB.

I don't know about you, but that 38 second march to the End Zone that NY put on us right before the half during that playoff game really drove home to me that we still aren't there when it comes to having the dominating front line players needed to take that next step. I know Johnston played for a small school, but he usually came up big against schools like Appalachian St. He also was named Defensive MVP for the South at the Hula Bowl this year when he had 4TT, 2 sacks, & a FF. That tells me he can play with the big boys. His measurables are off the charts, and he has a non-stop motor. If you check him out, you'll notice the dude has some awesome guns on him. He's already benching over 450 lbs., so you know he has the power.

A lot of draft sites have him way down the list. If he stays there, (which I doubt ), he would be a steal in the 4th-5th rd. area.​

 

[DaBoys4Life]

never heard of this guy but he could from what you say he is a player i will look him and then post more info on him.

I thought i was the only person that realized our D-line was lackluster

 

[DaBoys4Life]

This kid is an All American. He doesn't have an invite to the combine. Does Gardner Webb have a pro daY? As it stands he will fly under the radar and will be an amazing addition for the boys.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2008_nfl_draft/brian_johnston.htm





Brian Johnston, 2008 NFL Draft Prospect

Defensive End
Gardner-Webb
6' 5" 280 lbs.
Speed: 4.78
SeniorOne of the top prospects for the 2008 NFL Draft that you have probably never heard of is Brian Johnston. Yes Gardner Webb’s defensive end Brian Johnston is from a small school, but he has big time NFL talent. You don’t think those small school players can compete in the NFL? Just ask the Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen, who was a fourth-round selection (126th overall) out of Division I-AA Idaho State from the 2004 NFL Draft. Johnston is also similar to Dallas Cowboys’ defensive end Jason Hatcher, who was selected in the 3rd round (92nd overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft from small school Grambling. Johnston has similar size (6’ 5” 280 lbs) and production to both of those guys as well as similar NFL potential.
He (Johnston) was named a first-team Associated Press All-American after the 2007 season, this was the second year in a row Johnston has received that distinction. He has also been honored as one of the top small school NFL Draft prospects by well respected talent scout Josh Buchanan. He was also named as a first-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), and the Walter Camp Football Foundation and is the Gardner Webb Bulldogs’ first consensus All-America since Harold Wells did it in 2004.
This season (2007), the senior Johnston was named Big South Defensive Player of the Year two years in a row, he recorded an impressive 74 total tackles, 37 being solo, a school and conference-record 24 tackles for loss, 6 quarterback sacks and 22 quarterback hurries. He finished ranked No. 2 nationally in tackles for loss on the season, and established new Big South Conference career records for sacks (20.5) and tackles for loss. Johnston finished his career as the top tackling defensive lineman in school history with 268 total tackles.

With the advent of the 34 defense in the NFL, those jumbo defensive ends like Johnston have been much sought after. Johnston has fought almost constant double teams, which is why his 6 sacks don’t look that impressive, but he has proven to be very solid against the run, despite being double teamed, his 74 tackles, 20.5 being for a loss, prove that he can fight through multiple blockers and get to the ball carrier. Very good at using his hands, strong and quick, Johnston plays the game with a non-stop motor. He will have to increase his repertoire of pass rushing moves and continue to train to get stronger and quicker in the NFL, but he has the raw talent and skills to warrant a 4th or 5th round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

more info as promised =)

 

[dogberry]

Great Blue North has him with a 4.65. Still going through the list of DEs, the fastest at 280 lb or larger are Chris Long and Calais at 4.82.

 

[TheCount]

I like him, nice find.