JabariJohnson

Returns to practice in August after missing the spring while recovering
from a foot injury … Emerged as a significant contributor last season
… His versatile athleticism has enabled him to play defensive tackle,
end and linebacker during his career … Is a natural fit for the hybrid
end/linebacker post … Enrolled at Kentucky in January 2011 as a
grayshirt … Originally signed with the Wildcats in Feb. 2010 … Has
played in 14 games, starting two … Has completed his degree in
community and leadership development and is now adding a second major in
communication.

2014 (Junior):
Played in all 12 games, including two starts … Totaled 20 tackles,
including four tackles for loss … Top game was a career-high five
tackles, with 1.5 TFL, against No. 1 Mississippi State … Recovered a
fumble in the win over UT Martin.
2013 (Sophomore): Moved from linebacker to defensive tackle … Continued to practice with the team.
2012 (Redshirt Freshman): Saw action in two games, the win over Kent State and at Arkansas … Made a tackle vs. KSU.
2011 (Freshman): Redshirted as a linebacker.
High School: Primarily
a linebacker in high school … “May be the best-looking kid on the
hoof on a team with over 25 DI (Division I) prospects,” wrote recruiting
analyst Barry Every of Rivals.com, who also tabbed Johnson as a
“big-time sleeper” … Has been clocked as fast as 4.6 seconds in the
40-yard dash, a terrific time for a linebacker … Also played strong
safety, fullback and tight end … Three-year letterman, two-year starter …
Helped Stephenson HS to an 11-1 record as a senior (2009) in Class
AAAAA, the largest classification in Georgia … Totaled 76 tackles as a
senior, with five quarterback sacks, eight tackles for loss, two fumbles
caused and one recovery … First-team all-region … Selected for the
DeKalb County All-Star Game … Coached by Ron Gartrell … “Jabari’s
athletic ability is outstanding,” Gartrell said.  “He has great reaction
skills and really understands the game on both sides of the ball.” …
Teammate of former Wildcats Raymond Sanders and Ronnie Shields … Also
participated on the track and field team, competing in the 400-meter run
and hurdles events.
Personal: Born
in Atlanta, Ga. … Name is pronounced “jah-BAR-ee” … Son of Melvin
Johnson and Veronica Johnson … A cousin, Trey Buice, played football at
Ball State … Has completed his degree in community and leadership
development and is now adding a second major in communication.
Community Cats: Participated in the Big Blue U Move-In (2011, ‘12) … Delivered food for God’s Pantry (2014).
Jabari Says …
My favorite homecooked meal is: everything my mom makes … My ideal
vacation spot is: China … Other than the NFL, my dream job is: coaching
… My favorite part of game day is: running out of the tunnel with my
teammates … My biggest accomplishment so far is: graduating …
Something people might not know about me is: I’ve played every skill
position in football … What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Life is all about choices.