But in terms of here, I'm here now. Florida State DE Jermaine Johnson on excitement to lead, optimism for upcoming season Watch on Johnson recorded five sacks last season at Georgia. I always say, Theres guys wishing that they could be where you are. Wishing.. After his week at the Senior Bowl, Johnson should elevate in the projections. I ended up being the No. Brugler said Johnson, Georgias Travon Walker, Michigans David Ojabo and Purdues George Karlaftis comprise the second tier at that position. He was asked several times by the media Thursday why he chose to finish out his career at a school that went 3-6 last year and had its worst winning percentage in a season since 1975. You run out of reasons why not, why he shouldnt be considered as a top 10, top 15 type of pick. 8 TCU, The Battles End goes public, He has a good first step with long strides, He varies his moves- not relying too heavily on one or two moves, He has good spatial and situational awareness. I ended up being the No. My favorite two fits are Baltimore or New England, JJ is a culture guy and both of those places have foundations in place for him to flourish. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. Entering his fifth and final season of college football, Johnson said he views 2021 as a '"rebirth" to his college career. Triple Option: How does Jermaine Johnson project as an NFL player? A contender for warm and fuzzies would be Milton but I think thats a long shot. I wake up every day, like I said, I feel blessed, Johnson said. Jermaine Johnson 6'5/260 lbs/OLB-DEMade By Me, For NoleGameday -- Follow . Tommy: Dotson. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. TmFtZSgic2NyaXB0IilbMF07IHMuYXN5bmMgPSB0cnVlOwogICAgLy8gbG9h About Saturday Down South | Ethics and Editorial Standards | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Other Conferences: Big Ten | ACC | Pac-12, Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics. It was cool. Copyright 2023, Florida State University. Detroit Lions assistant coach Duce Staley, who served as head coach for the National Team, pitted Johnson against former Kentucky offensive tackle Darian Kinnard in a one-on-one showdown after practice. That whole group of guys. They've also had three coaching changes. : Man, the whole staff, theyre a great group of guys. Just take one day at a time, get 1% better. Im a strong believer that you keep the team first, and you do what the team needs you to do, your individual success will come after. So, I mean, yeah, a few losing seasons. The thing about what he what he was able to accomplish with his teammates and the staff over at UCF not so long ago and where he's been able to bring himself individually as well. ", "I didn't know any of them personally prior. You see a guy who understands what hes doing.. That ties into how great this program can become again, and I'm excited to be a part of that rebuild. I just bring in leadership, bring in some camaraderie, I think, like I said, Coach Norvell, it is a big culture change going on around here. Just God continues to bless me in more ways than I could realize so I can't do anything to repay him other than give thanks and approach every opportunity and give it 110%. I thought we saw that from Johnson., #Lions HC Duce Staley picked Kentucky OL Darian Kinnard and Florida State EDGE Jermaine Johnson for post-practice 1-on-1. I think coming into this offseason, we know where we can be. I'm just excited to (see) where this program and this team is headed. I know what kind of person you are. And then once he heard all he needed to hear that was the first thing that he said. Jermaine Johnson's time at Florida State may have been brief but make no mistakes, in just one year as a member of the Seminole football program there's no question that the future of FSU . The 2022 NFL Draft kicks off this week, beginning with the first round this Thursday, starting at 8 p.m. and set to be broadcast on ESPN, ABC and NFL Network. There's countless greats to come through this locker room and playing on that field. We just clicked on the same page. And I feel like that was the case for me and a lot of other players at a lot of other sports in the country. Before he could become a leader, Johnson had to gain the respect of his new teammates during the offseason. Throughout the season, the four-time ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week, came up with numerous clutch plays including his three-sack, five-tackles for loss performance in a 31-28 win over Miami and his strip sack, fumble return for a touchdown at Clemson. But at the same time I don't think that us athletes would trade in being able to play the sport we love and compete in order to do that. Fast forward to 2021 he looks like the best defensive player on the Seminoles roster. But hes no slug. Now that Florida State has seen the type of player and person Johnson is this offseason, even his fellow high-profile transfer teammate Milton is impressed. 8 I went with Johnson because I believe hes a really, really good player who will make an immediate impact for the Falcons. You see the active hands and the different pass rush moves. A lot of guys have tools, but can you weaponize your hands? Everything he said just made sense. Gang Green Nation: 2022 New York Jets Draft Prospect DE Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State I think Johnson has star written all over him and will be a monster in the NFL eventually., Revenge of the Birds: Could Jermaine Johnson be the heir to Chandler Jones? I think he finds himself in that 12th-21st overall pick range, starting with Minnesota and ending with New England. So Johnson transferring to FSU came with plenty of risk. cmlkYXN0YXRlLnJpdmFscy5jb20lMkZuZXdzJTJGZGUtamVybWFpbmUtam9o Theres debate about who won the final rep. Brugler said it looked like a stalemate. Im here to get my film, get out and do it. 26 Pick of 2022 NFL Draft", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jermaine_Johnson_II&oldid=1139709830, Players of American football from Minnesota, Short description is different from Wikidata, New York Jets currentteam parameter articles, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 16 February 2023, at 14:14. Great character things. That was his main point going through the whole thing, bringing the right guys in to get this thing moving in the right direction. 10, New York Jets. Any time you just say great after great after great to come through this university and like I said, this program was top notch not so long ago, and it's still top notch despite winning not so long ago. But in terms of here, I'm here now. That effort was on display Saturday vs. Miami, where Johnson spent much of his time in the Hurricanes backfield. The junior college route was needed for me, I feel like, in a few different ways. Youd have to ask them for that, but I gave them everything I got and still do.. 2 to the Detroit Lions), Thibodeaux (No. And so did my head coach, Coach Brown, and the staff over there. Its why Brugler projects him as a 10-year NFL starter with Pro Bowl upside. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Dalvin Cook, you know James Cook is my former teammate at the University of Georgia. I think all those guys are, and that's gonna come to fruition this next season. So if you just keep things like that and work hard and you have a certain standard that you hold everybody to regardless of talent or playing time or anything like that. And I feel like, with that goal, moving forward each day at a time, this program, everything will line up, and it will become what we want it to be. He has the goods from an athletic and build standpoint., Pride of Detroit: FSU edge defender Jermaine Johnson visits Detroit Lions on pre-draft visit Could the Lions be considering Jermaine Johnson with the second overall pick or are they doing due diligence in case they trade down in the 2022 NFL Draft?, Big Blue View: 2022 NFL Draft prospect profile - Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State The Giants could certainly use a player with Johnsons tools, but has he really worked his way from an unknown to the Top 10 in just one year?, The Falcoholic: The Falcoholic selects FSU EDGE Jermaine Johnson at No. He really took charge of the defense, Johnson said. Johnson excels versus the run, playing from 4, 3 and 2. "But if I do, Ill compete just like I compete in everything else. Smith caught a sweep pass from quarterback Tyler Van Dyke as he motioned across the field. Odds & lines subject to change. I feel like I cause problems when I'm right there on the edge, being able to play fast. bjsKICAgICAgICB3W2xdPXdbbF18fFtdO3dbbF0ucHVzaCh7J2d0bS5zdGFy He let me know right off the bat, that obviously I was talented, I can do some things, but that he did make some calls. He called me personally. Jermaine Johnson II is a 6'5" 260 lb defensive Edge rusher with a linebacker body. Y29tc2NvcmUgPSBfY29tc2NvcmUgfHwgW107CiAgX2NvbXNjb3JlLnB1c2go That's all he said, Be you. Where will the newest professional NFL Seminole be headed? And hopefully I did that and this is why I played so passionate. I gave a lot of credit to him for proving that he could play a lot more snaps and still be productive. That is where it starts with a winning program, culture, and that carries on to everything else off the field, individually, and as a team. Thats the goal. But I think this was my favorite play from the top-50 prospect.Awareness + Pursuit angle + Speed + Open-field finish = 5-yard loss. I've talked to enough people. It's not surprising the Lions would have interest in spending more time with Johnson, a consensus top-12 prospect in the 2022 NFL draft. I care so much about Florida State and the people involved.. Jermaine Johnson 6'5/260 lbs/OLB-DEMade By Me, For NoleGameday -- Follow NoleGameday for ALL things Florida State! WalterFootball.com recently projected Johnson as a first-rounder, going seventh overall to the New York Giants. aWdodD0nMCcgc3JjPSdodHRwczovL3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNv You can take whatever information I have to say but like you said you dont just walk in and assume a position. He played college football at Independence CC and Georgia before transferring to Florida State in 2021 where he was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. I just try to be humble. Its very helpful, because it gives us the chance to evaluate a player in a different scheme, with a different coach and in a different situation, Brugler said. ", "Work is work. It comes naturally. Great character things. That was his main point going through the whole thing, bringing the right guys in to get this thing moving in the right direction. We cannot be $30 million behind every year: FSU AD Michael Alford talks ACC financial outlook, Florida State is at risk of falling behind financially in the world of college athletics, I have never seen a team that has invested so much in each other: Catch up with Brooke Wyckoff ahead of ACC Tournament, FSU is set to kick off tournament play on Thursday, 2022 New York Jets Draft Prospect DE Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State. I think thats something that will really help him. So now I've seen people in my life, not work out well for them as they are growing up, as you transition into an adult. And, I mean, I see things from a different lens, I see things from inside-out. Johnson recently received an invitation to participate in the Senior Bowl on Feb. 5th in Mobile, Alabama, but said Wednesday he has not decided yet if he will participate. Johnson can play in a versatile position on the defense. Don't miss out on our great FSU Football and Recruiting coverage. I'm just excited to (see) where this program and this team is headed. TALLAHASSEE -- New Florida State defensive end Jermaine Johnson met with the media on Friday. He believed in who I could be. It's fun to be around guys that want to work. Conservatively, I think 4-5th 6-7th are accurate for both Corbin and Thomas but it wouldnt surprise me if they fall into the UDFA category. When he plays, it speaks for himself. So yeah, I was pretty fired up to find out he was coming here as well. Most definitely. Social media is on ire discussing Johnsons play: @Patriots draft Jermaine Johnson at all costs @LastChanceUAlum pic.twitter.com/9ydEFgCFDg, Nighthawk (@KrikorianB15) September 6, 2021, Jermaine Johnson II thats the tweet @ii_jermaine #JUCOPRODUCT pic.twitter.com/dxf4LYc6rg, JUCO Football Frenzy (@JUCOFFrenzy) September 6, 2021. Jermaine Johnson II was one of the few bright spots from a mediocre 2021 season for the Florida State Seminoles. Ben: With Jashaun Corbin being at the combine and east-west bowl is huge in getting him those extra opportunities to interact with NFL teams. Defensive coordinator Adam Fuller shared an example of Johnsons relentless pursuit on the practice field: I go back Friday and were practicing and we run a naked out-of-pocket play and Jermaine sprints 20 yards on a Friday at 9:30 in the morning to chase the guy down. 14 to the Baltimore Ravens) and Karlaftis (No. You see length. YXlzIGhhdmUgdGhlIGxhc3QgdmVyc2lvbgogICAgcy5zcmMgPSAiaHR0cHM6 That whole group of guys. Yeah, I mean that was a factor. MOBILE - Florida State edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II had a great week of practice at the Senior Bowl. I don't got no problem coming to play for them. JyZndG1fcHJldmlldz0nKydlbnYtMScrJyZndG1fY29va2llc193aW49eCc7 Ive been through a lot during my whole football career. Johnson goes 18 overall to YOUR Philadelphia Eagles. Because I had that kind of confidence in myself. Whats left to prove? Has good hands with the ability to disengage from offensive linemen. If you want to know just how elite Georgias defense is, look no further than FSU defensive lineman Jermaine Johnson. Hes shown enough and has the measurables to get a look at the very least on a practice squad somewhere. There was a time not that long ago when Johnson feared he'd never get any such chance to play FBS-level football or beyond. . His lone season at FSU ended with a 5-7 record and a loss to the rival Florida Gators. The transfer from Georgia developed into a star off of the edge for Florida State. And the same thing at Georgia, those guys work. So, I mean it's not that the program is just done. And so, I mean, I know how that goes. bnNvbi1icmluZ3MtdW5pcXVlLXRhbGVudC1wZXJzcGVjdGl2ZS10by1mc3Ut We're still talking about it," Johnson said. In terms of the cameras in Last Chance U, I wasnt really all caught up into that, just because I love the sport of football. If Thomas doesnt go in the draft he will get a UDFA deal. Theres a lot of talented pass rushers, but theres nuance to what Jermaine Johnson is doing with his rush, Brugler said. WalterFootball.com recently projected Johnson as a first-rounder, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. So, that is just what I believe in. [2], Johnson began his collegiate career at Independence Community College. And once you have that kind of confidence behind you, I feel like you can do anything. And that's all he had to say and like I said he had confidence in me as a player and a man so anybody that could stand by me especially a head coach like that. I mean just think of the guy's story. Slot to Florida State Seminoles Newsletter. Johnson left Georgia to have a rebirth with the Seminoles, and Sunday night is definitely his coming out party. The program is not bad, it just had a national championship in 2013, they just came off from winning a bunch of conference championship. I think I'm pretty good at it. Who will get a shot as an undrafted free agent? ", "Jameis Winston. The former Georgia Bulldog came to Tallahassee last season and lit up opposing. Johnson transferred from Georgia likely because he wasnt an every-down defender; so, he joined the Florida State program this offseason. He did just that in his first and only season at Florida State, racking up 12 sacks, the ACC Defensive . Theres a point where I was at the bottom of the bottom and I was wishing to be in their shoes, Johnson said. He plays quick.