No matter how many times he seemed to be stopped, Durrell Johnson kept on trying to get to the quarterback.
Liberty was leading 21-0 late in the first half in an FBS clash with Arkansas. On first and 10 on their own 42-yard line, the Razorbacks were hoping to at least score before intermission.
But Johnson, a Liberty defensive end, didn’t make that easier. Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson didn’t find an open receiver immediately. In the first few moments after the snap, Johnson couldn’t get past the opposing offensive lineman in front of him.
But he kept moving. He kept swiping his arms. He continued pushing forward.
Johnson and his teammates finally reached Jefferson and brought him down. And that desire to sack quarterbacks is a quality that’s certainly helped Johnson’s draft stock.
Durrell Johnson Stats And Highlights
Johnson was receiving All-American recognition in his first season with Liberty all the way back in 2020.
That season, he was 28th in the country with 0.77 sacks per game with 8.5 total. He also added 11.5 tackles for loss, 38 total tackles, six quarterback hurries, and an interception.
The next year, he made the watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award, which go to the best defensive player in the country. While battling through injuries, he recorded 25 tackles, six tackles for loss, two quarterback hurries, and a pass breakup.
Last season, Johnson led the country with 27.5 tackles for loss. He was also tied for 31st in the country with 0.69 sacks per game, nine total.
Johnson racked up 58 tackles, four pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, three fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble.
Durrell Johnson Draft Projection
Johnson should be off the board by the sixth round in the NFL Draft. He’s been projected to go both a round earlier and a round later as well.
Durrell Johnson Draft Profile
Johnson was 41st in Pro Football Focus’ overall grades of all edge rushers in the country. He had 22 quarterback hurries.
Johnson was disruptive in college for a plethora of reasons. But most of all, he was relentless.
At 6-foot-3, 240 pounds, Johnson has the size to play in the NFL. He takes good pursuit angles when defending the run and has great awareness.
Johnson was also always active. So many pass rushers usually get stuck and are easily blocked when their first pass rush move doesn’t work.
Johnson isn’t like that. He has counter moves ready to go until he gets past opposing linemen.
Johnson’s motor was clear against Arkasnas. He almost recorded another sack seconds after the one he had late in the first half. He finished that game with 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks while pacing his team with nine total tackles.
Johnson could work on his technique and maintain better leverage when he’s rushing the passer, but he still brings a lot to the table. He can drop back into coverage, which gives NFL teams plenty of options for the role he can play.
Simply, Johnson can help many franchises, especially when it comes to rushing the passer.
