TristianJohnson

A good story of perseverance … Saw limited action his first three seasons and had to overcome an injury … Finally began getting playing time last season and made the most of it … Started the last nine games last season and hopes to retain that role this season … Powerful, tough competitor who plays with great intensity … Has played in 21 games, starting nine.

2012 (Junior): Strong play in practice led to playing time in games … When Mister Cobble was sidelined by an illness, Johnson grabbed the starting role and never let it go, opening the final nine games of the season … Finished with 27 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 quarterback sacks … Credited with five quarterback hurries and broke up two passes … Had a career-high six tackles vs. South Carolina, including a half-sack … Five tackles vs. Mississippi State, with one sack … Picked up a fumble vs. Samford and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown.

2011 (Sophomore): Sidelind by a shoulder injury for much of the season but managed to play in two games … Made one tackle against Florida.

2010 (Redshirt Freshman): Gave UK depth at the defensive end position, playing in seven games … Recorded a pass breakup against Akron.

2009 (Freshman): Redshirted … Defensive Scout Team Player of the Week leading up to the upset of Auburn.

High School: Two-year member of the all-area team … Racked up 97 tackles as a senior, an impressive total for a defensive end … Added 11 tackles for loss, six quarterback sacks, one caused fumble, and three fumble recoveries, including one returned for a touchdown … Notched 79 tackles, including 10 for loss, as a junior … Ranked as the nation’s No. 57 weakside defensive end by Rivals.com … Has run the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds, an excellent time for a defensive end, and also is noted for his quickness … Senior season featured an 11-3 record, with LaGrange advancing to the semifinals of the state playoffs … Joined the recent list of LaGrange players at Kentucky that includes former All-Southeastern Conference linebackers Wesley Woodyard and Braxton Kelley, former wide receiver DeMoreo Ford and former cornerback Randall Burden … Coached by Steve Pardue … “Tristian is a really explosive player, reminds me of Braxton Kelley,” Pardue said … A baseball outfielder who was named all-county and all-region his senior year … Team advanced to the state playoffs his senior season … Also a member of the school’s wrestling team, with a best finish of second place in the region his sophomore year.

Personal: Born in Albany, Ga. … Son of Henry Johnson and Renita Johnson … Name is pronounced “TRIS-tan” … Major is community and leadership development.

Community Cats: Participated in events with the Christian Appalachian Project for Pike County (2010), Big Blue U Move-In (2011, `12), Indian Summer Camp (2012), Special Olympics (2013) and God’s Pantry (2012, `13).

Tristian Says … My nickname is: T-Knock … My ideal vacation spot is: LaGrange, Ga. … What non-football sporting event would you like to attend? game seven of the World Series … Other than the NFL, my dream job is: go around the world … The coolest thing about UK is: getting to wear the Kentucky blue, which I have since seventh grade … My hiddden talent is: golf.