The Final Cockdown continues its look at the defensive line. In case you missed it, here’s a list of everyone we’ve profiled/are profiling:
Dante Sawyer | DJ Wonnum | Taylor Stallworth | Keir Thomas | Ulric Jones | Javon Kinlaw | Kobe Smith | Shameik Blackshear | Aaron Sterling | Brad Johnson | Aaron Thompson + Daniel Fennell
#19 Brad Johnson
Freshman / 6’2” / 225 / Pendleton, SC / Pendleton
At first glance of Brad Johnson at fall camp, he looks like a little bit shorter version of Darius English. Now, whether or not he produces like Darius did last year is a completely different question.
A somewhat shock to most, English was USC’s sack leader last season with nine sacks. Obviously, replacing that kind of production won’t fall solely on Johnson - but it wouldn’t hurt if he helped.
A four star recruit and Shrine Bowl MVP, the most likely position Johnson will see most of his action is at the BUCK. The BUCK is a defensive end / outside linebacker hybrid position in T-Rob and Muschamp’s defense, and getting early snaps will help Brad when he inherits a larger role next year.
2016 Stats: N/A
Recruitment: A four-star recruit and 4th highest rated player from South Carolina by 247, Johnson had offers from Clemson, Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Georgia and other Power 5 schools. He committed to the Gamecocks on National Signing Day 2017 (spurning Virginia Tech) and enrolled June 8th.
Up Next: The duo of Aaron Thompson & Daniel Fennell finish up the defensive line for the Final Cockdown.