Cousin, Jerome Boyd, is a strong safety for the Oakland Raiders. Johnson also competed in basketball, baseball and track and field as a California prep. Redshirted in 2007. Playing strong-side linebacker in ’08, started 10-of-13 games and recorded 48 tackles, 121⁄2 for loss and 11⁄2 sacks with one pass breakup, one interception and a forced fumble. Started all 13 games on the strong side in ’09, posting 58-11 1⁄2-2 with five pass breakups and one interception. Was the Wolfpack’s leading tackler in ’10 when he started all 14 games at middle linebacker and produced 88-8-2 1⁄2 with two pass breakups and three forced fumbles. Totaled 100-5 1⁄2-1 1⁄2 with three pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble in 13 starts at MLB during the ’11 season. Two-time team captain.

Good size — thickly built with a broad upper body and sturdy trunk. Keen eyes and instincts. Fits in the run game. Athletic movement skills. Good balance and knee bend. Can scrape and flow. Pursues naturally inside-out — ranges to secure tackles and shows closing burst to finish. Vertical leaped 37 inches and broad-jumped 10 feet, 4 inches at the Combine. Played inside and outside. Four-year starter. Outstanding personal and football character — mature, motivated and hardworking. 

Lacks ideal height. Needs to get stronger — does not play off blocks quickly and is not a punisher. Average play speed. Leaves some plays on the field and is an inconsistent tackler. Too many tackles made down the field. Can be overaggressive and overrun some plays. Has man-coverage limitations. Not anticipatory in zone. Could use more glass in his diet.

Athletic, productive, experienced, versatile 4-3 linebacker with interchangeability and possible starter potential. Heart-and-soul type who should contribute readily on special teams.