Jan. 4, 2002
University of Kentucky defensive end Dennis Johnson will forego his final season of collegiate eligibility and enter the National Football League draft, he announced Friday at a news conference in Memorial Coliseum.
“I feel now is the time for me to go and try to live a dream that I have had for so long,” Johnson said. “After I talked to several people, talked to my father and other family members, I thought now was the best time for me to come out.”
During the 2001 season, Johnson led the Southeastern Conference in three defensive categories, including quarterback sacks (school-record 12), tackles for loss (19), and fumbles caused (five). He had 61 total tackles for the season and added 12 quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, and one fumble recovery.
Honors for Johnson in 2001 included third-team All-America by Football News magazine, fourth-team All-America by The Sporting News, and first-team All-SEC selection by The Associated Press. In addition, he was named the “Best Defensive Player” in the SEC by The Southeastern Post magazine.
The 6-7, 265-pound Johnson came to UK from Harrodsburg, Ky, where he was the National Player of the Year as chosen by Sports Illustrated, the Touchdown Club of Atlanta, and recruiting analyst Tom Lemming. As a freshman in 1998, Johnson broke into the starting lineup midway through the season. He collected 26 tackles, including five tackles for loss and two quarterback sacks. He helped the Wildcats advance to the Outback Bowl.
In 1999, Johnson was a second-team All-SEC performer as chosen by the AP. He totaled 39 tackles, including 11 for loss, with a team-high five quarterback sacks. He was a leader on the team that played in the Music City Bowl.
Johnson sustained a high ankle sprain in the 2000 season opener and missed the remainder of the season. He received a medical hardship which he could have used in the 2002 season to complete his eligibility.
Johnson said his relationship with the current coaching staff made his decision difficult. “It made it very hard. I love Coach (Guy) Morriss,” Johnson said. “Especially my new defensive coordinator, Coach (John) Goodner. I tell everybody I love him like a father. He was always there for me and he let me go out there and play. Probably one of the hardest decisions was leaving these guys.”
“I’m a Dennis Johnson fan,” Morriss said. “Whatever he decides to do, I’m going to back him to the hilt. He’s given us four great years of academic and football life at Kentucky. We appreciate that and we’re going to support him all the way.”
Johnson’s career totals (not including the two bowl games) feature 34 games played, 29 starts, 128 total tackles, 35 tackles for loss (for -178 yards), 19 quarterback sacks (for -126 yards), three fumbles recovered, seven fumbles caused, and three blocked kicks.
– UK –
