Healthy Brad Johnson ready to be factor in new spot for Gamecock defense
Brad Johnson is healthy and motivated, two things that could pay off for the South Carolina defense this season.
Johnson missed most of last season with a groin injury suffered in the season opener against North Carolina. He returned for the final two games of the season but was able to qualify for an NCAA redshirt because he appeared in just four games. .
The former Pendleton High standout was in a ‘lonely place’ during rehabbing and watching his teammates being out on the field. But he is a much better place physically and mentally as he gets ready for the season opener Sept. 26 against Tennessee.
“You are stuck in limbo trying to get right,” Johnson said Friday of the injury process. “Of course, everyone is wishing you the best and trying to do what they can to help you get right. But it is just you and you find out who you really are.
“It was a tough time but I climbed out of that hole … and better days ahead.”
Johnson has lost about 15 pounds in the offseason and is down to 235. He also is learning a new position this season, moving from the Buck pass rusher spot to the SAM, the strongside linebacker spot.
Johnson said coach Will Muschamp made the switch during a walk-through practice this summer. He said there weren’t too many notable differences in switching spots except the SAM spot requires you to be in pass coverage more while the Buck you will be playing for more of a defensive end.
Muschamp, defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson and outside linebackers coach Mike Peterson have raved about Johnson’s performance in the preseason and his handling of the position change.
“He is a natural at it,” Robinson said. “He is a strong guy and hard to block on the edge which we will play more regularly this year and that is going to help us.”
“He took it and ran with it which I was proud of,” Peterson said of Johnson. “I’m excited to see him on Saturdays wanting to make some plays for us.”
Johnson was one of the top recruits in the state in the Class of 2017. He was the Class 3A Upper State Lineman of the Year and Shrine Bowl selection.
Johnson played as a freshman and in 24 games his first two years before last season’s injury. Still, he feels he hasn’t lived up to his full potential this season and now will be in the starting lineup to prove it.
“I was just really hungry and didn’t get to showcase my talents,” Johnson said. “At first it was being a young guy and then a couple injuries set me back. So I was really motivated to go out there and have a full season and know that I will be able to start.
“That is all the motivation I needed. Just the fact I will be able to play as long as I stay healthy.”
