Cory Johnson Named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week

LEXINGTON, Ky. – After recording a career-best 11 tackles to help pace the University of Kentucky football team to its first victory over a ranked opponent since 2010, senior defensive lineman Cory “C.J.” Johnson has been named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week, the league office announced Monday.

Johnson is the second Wildcat to earn a weekly honor from the league office after true freshman cornerback Chris Westry was tabbed the SEC Freshman of the Week following Kentucky’s win at South Carolina earlier this month.

Johnson was key to the Kentucky defensive line during Saturday’s 21-13 victory over top-25 ranked Mizzou. The native of Columbia, S.C., had a career-best 11 tackles in the game, including three tackles on third downs that forced Mizzou to punt. Seven of Johnson’s 11 tackles came on plays where Mizzou gained three yards or less, including combining with senior linebacker Josh Forrest on a 15-yard quarterback sack.

Johnson led the Kentucky defense in tackles, helping limit Mizzou to 13 points with the Tigers entering the game averaging 23.3 points per game. On the season, Johnson leads UK’s defensive lineman in tackles with 18, including one sack and blocked field goal.  

Kentucky will return to action on Saturday, playing host to EKU at 7:30 p.m. ET at Commonwealth Stadium. The game will be televised on the SEC Network Alternate and broadcast live on the UK Sports Radio Network.

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