Notes: His identical twin brother, Zach, is an outside linebacker for EWU. Also played basketball and baseball as a Washington prep. Redshirted in 2007. Suffered a concussion during spring practice but started all 11 games at strong safety in ’08 (wore jersey No. 40), recording 83 tackles, one pass breakup and four interceptions with five tackles for loss. Started all 12 games in ’09, posting 98-3-6 with five tackles for loss, one sack and two forced fumbles. Wore jersey No. 10 all year to honor his brother who missed the season with an injury. Did not participate in spring practice because of a shoulder injury. Notched 105-8-5 with three tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in 15 starts for the FCS Division I champs in ’10. Totaled 52-0-2 with eight tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in seven starts — suffered a subluxating biceps tendon injury in his left shoulder against South Dakota in Week Two and played through pain before opting for season-ending surgery. Fielded punts against Washington. Team captain.
Bottom line: Good-sized with a well-proportioned, toned build, Johnson is a tough, competitive, coachable strong safety with good linear athletic ability. Plays with and trusts his eyes. Drops downhill and supports the run aggressively — gets proper fits, runs the alley and takes effective angles. Effective in halves or thirds, can run with tight ends and has good hands to intercept (17 career interceptions). Smart, experienced four-year starter who made secondary calls. Struggles to man up receivers and shows average range and change of direction. Is not a violent striker and misses some tackles when he isn’t under control. Character player with a professional approach who has an intangible makeup and athletic skill set to make a roster and contribute on special teams.
NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.