The Final Cockdown: #55 David Johnson

David Johnson
Redshirt Sophomore DE
6'1" / 274
Lithonia, GA (Lithonia High School)

Recruitment
Coming out of the 2013 high school class, Johnson was listed as a three star prospect, the 19th best weak side defensive end and the 37th best player in Georgia per 247sports. 
Multiple offers including Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Louisville, Syracuse, Mississippi St., Auburn and N.C. State.

College Career
During his high school days, Johnson played at both the linebacker and defensive end positions, making a transition to full-time DE when he enrolled at Carolina. As a true freshman, Johnson redshirted, which probably wasn't a bad idea considering a certain Clowney was still in town. And his redshirt year gave him time to develop and get accustomed to the DE position for the 2014 season.

He made appearances in nine games last fall, seeing action as a rotation player the first four, before getting injured and missing a few weeks, only to come back and start the last five games of the regular season with strong showings against Florida and Clemson. He missed the Independence Bowl due to a concussion in practice leading up to the game.

2015 Outlook
Because of the experience he gained starting a few games last year, it's likely to assume he'll be at least a piece of the equation up front for the Gamecocks D-line. While he might not be a regular starter, Johnson is sure to see action in every game this season baring an injury. It'll certainly be an all around team effort for the Gamecocks D this season, and they'll be able to look to experienced guys like Johnson to provide contribution.

Trivia
Our David Johnson is just one of few football players with the same name. What NFL teams do two of the others play for?