WilliamJohnson

• UK Most Valuable Defensive Scout Team Player by UK coaches (2008)

Made good progress during his first season on the field, as he saw extensive action on special teams and occasional time at weakside linebacker … Rangy athlete who was impressive in practice during his redshirt season … A safety in high school, he is gradually adding the strength necessary to play linebacker in college … Has put on more than 10 pounds in the last year.

2009 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in all 13 games and was a mainstay on special teams … Totaled six tackles … Made two tackles against ULM and Eastern Kentucky, with a tackle for loss in each game.

2008 (Freshman): Redshirted … Named the team’s Most Valuable Defensive Scout Team Player as chosen by the Wildcat coaches … Twice was named the Defensive Scout Player of the Week.

High School: Versatile athlete who performed at multiple positions at Pearl-Cohn HS in Nashville, Tenn. … At various times he played free safety and linebacker on defense and played wide receiver and tailback on offense … Also excelled at returning punts and kickoffs … Has a frame that will enable him to continue to gain size and strength while in college … His speed enabled him to be an effective blitzer, as he had 12 quarterback sacks as a senior, along with 80 tackles and a pair of interceptions … On offense he had 37 catches for 689 yards and 12 touchdowns … Rushed 21 times for 350 yards and four TDs … Averaged a phenomenal 35 yards per punt return … Helped Pearl-Cohn advance to the Class AAA state semifinals as a junior and senior … All-city, all-region, and second-team all-state as a senior … Has been timed at 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash … Coached by Tony Brunetti … His athletic versatility also showed in other sports … Participated basketball and baseball in addition to football … Played catcher and center field in baseball, another unique combination … Honor-roll student … Won the school’s English Award … Member of the “I Have a Future” leadership organization.

Personal: Born in Nashville, Tenn. … Son of Allison Stevens … Major is undeclared.