Tennessee’s A.J. Johnson Named Lott Trophy IMPACT Quarterfinalist

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee senior linebacker A.J. Johnson has been named one of 20 quarterfinalists for the 2014 Lott IMPACT Trophy. The 20 student-athletes represent the qualities embodied by the award – Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

Johnson has had a stellar senior campaign on Rocky Top. Through seven games, Johnson leads the SEC in tackles with 78 and tackles per game with 11.1, which ranks 12th nationally. In the Vols’ game at #3 Ole Miss on Oct. 18, he became Tennessee’s all-time career leader in assisted tackles with 194 as well as becoming the fourth Vol with 400 career tackles. He has 402 career tackles including 29.5 tackles for loss. Johnson has 22 games with double-figure tackles in 43 career games. He has a chance to become first Vol to led team in tackles for three consecutive season in program history.

Eight semifinalists will be chosen Nov. 11 with ballots then sent to more than 400 national voters, a panel that includes former coaches and players, members of the media, past Lott IMPACT Trophy winners and finalists as well as members of the Board of Directors for the Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation, the sponsors of the award.

The four finalists will fly to Newport Beach for a black-tie gala at the Pacific Club on Dec. 14 where the winner will be announced. The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation will make a $25,000 donation to the general scholarship fund of the winner’s university and $5,000 to each of the schools of the runner-ups.

In 10 years, the Foundation has now donated more than $1 million, including nearly $500,000 to universities throughout the country.

The 2014 Lott IMPACT Trophy Quarterfinalists

Vic Beasley, DE, Clemson
Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
Henry Coley, LB, Virginia
Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State
Michael Doctor, LB, Oregon State
Bud Dupree, DE, Kentucky
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska
David Helton, LB, Duke
A.J. Johnson, LB, Tennessee
Eric Kendricks, LB, UCLA
Hau’oli Kikaha, DE, Washington
Ryan Mueller, DE, Kansas State
Jordan Richards, S, Stanford
Deterrian Shackelford, LB, Ole Miss
Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
Eric Striker, LB, Oklahoma
Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame
Leonard Williams, DT, USC