'14 FL LB Jakob Johnson (UT Signee 2/5/14)

[Vols4us]

Among SEC linebackers, A.J. Johnson was 6th in tackles for loss with a respectable 8.5. Considering how bad our defensive line was and how good our opponents were, that's a very good number.

I actually think A.J. Johnson might make a better N.F.L. linebacker than what he's been here at Tennessee. In my observation, Johnson is a large run-stopping specialist in the mold of a Brandon Spikes or Jeremiah Trotter. Put him on the right defense, and he'd be a solid two-down starter at MLB. Unfortunately, our terrible defense and the quality of our opponents (especially spread teams like Oregon and Auburn) exposed weaknesses in AJ's lateral agility and pass coverage skills. If he gets drafted by a defense in a run-heavy division like the NFC North or AFC North, however, I think those weaknesses could be masked or mitigated.

Although he's a physical specimen, I don't think Jakob Johnson will be ready to play SEC football next year. If we question AJ's coverage skills, how could JJ possibly be better when he's barely familiar with basic rules and zone assignments? AJ returning is huge because it provides some continuity in our defense and allows the newcomers at LB (especially JJ) time to learn before just getting thrown out there like he was.

You are entitled to your opinion and I respect that. IMO, AJ has not come close to being a run stopping NFL type LB. The NFL does not care for LBs that cannot get off blocks and square up in the gap and make a tackle at the LOS. Nearly every tackle he makes is from the side with his arms or in a bear hug at the neck well behind the LOS. I hope Thig can retrain him into using proper technique and getting off blocks even if he never gets how to cover, play a passing lane, or even blitz.

AJ benefited greatly from the double teams on McCullers. Yet he did not blitz well or make many tackles at the LOS or for a loss. The two guys that applied pressure on both runs and passes were Miller and Walls for the most part - Vereen when he saw some action.

 

[jave36]

You are entitled to your opinion and I respect that. IMO, AJ has not come close to being a run stopping NFL type LB. The NFL does not care for LBs that cannot get off blocks and square up in the gap and make a tackle at the LOS. Nearly every tackle he makes is from the side with his arms or in a bear hug at the neck well behind the LOS. I hope Thig can retrain him into using proper technique and getting off blocks even if he never gets how to cover, play a passing lane, or even blitz.

AJ benefited greatly from the double teams on McCullers. Yet he did not blitz well or make many tackles at the LOS or for a loss. The two guys that applied pressure on both runs and passes were Miller and Walls for the most part - Vereen when he saw some action.

I don't blame him for not pressuring the backfield, we don't know if Jancek even asked him to. I just hate how he would tackle his blocker harder than he'd tackle the ball carrier. Getting off blocks is his worst problem. If he could do that, he'd be a decent run stopping LB.

 

[BigVol80]

Any news on Jakob's progress?

 

[BleedingButch]

Any news on Jakob's progress?

9

 

[titansvolsfaninga]

9

999

-Herman Cain

 

[big harry]

Any news on Jakob's progress?

Yes. He has learned that american beer and college women are cheap and staying away from UTKnate is a major college off-season workout regiment by itself. Should be in great shape here.
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[Nashvegas31]

Is he older than typical freshman? He looks to fit right in next to AJ and Curt in the size dept

 

[AV_12]

I'm pretty sure he is.

 

[BigVol80]

Turns 20 yrs old in December. Born in 1994 according to 247.

 

[volssam]

Turns 20 yrs old in December. Born in 1994 according to 247.

Raise your hand if this makes you feel old.

*owww, my shoulder**

 

[Brillovol]

Raise your hand if this makes you feel old.

*owww, my shoulder**

Peyton Manning played one season in orange before he was born. Yeesh.

 

[gnm53108]

Raise your hand if this makes you feel old.

*owww, my shoulder**

With ya sam.

I had already done two med tours by then.

USN 89-95

 

[TNVolsScott]

With ya sam.

I had already done two med tours by then.

USN 89-95

Same here, except everything hurts lol.

USAF 1991-2012

 

[volssam]

Thank you guys and may God bless you for your service!

Hopefully Jakob will make a lot of other people hurt the next few years. Go Big Orange!

 

[Vol1SG]

Ya'll can raise your hand. Lucky you.
Army 1987 - 2010

GO VOLS!!
Rangers Lead The Way!

 

[TNVolsScott]

Gave all of you a like. colon salute colon

 

[Glitch]

9

What you did there was seen.

 

[volnut1]

U.S. Navy
1962-1966
USS Bache DD-470
Vietnam Combat Veteran

Older that all of you put together, almost.

 

[rekinhavoc]

U.S. Navy
1987-1989
USS John F Kennedy

 

[ACvol3]

Ya'll can raise your hand. Lucky you.
Army 1987 - 2010

GO VOLS!!
Rangers Lead The Way!

Wow that's a lot of service. Thank all of u!

 

[SSVol]

Am I too late?

US Army
1985-1989

 

[BaldBiker]

20 years Marine Corps. In 1994 I was half way to retirement.

 

[triad280]

a BIG thank you to all who have served/ still serving...

 

[engineerVOL]

I posted this in Johnson's thread but Latroy Lewis is one swolled up dude (bottom right photo)

 

[LandonVFL]

I posted this in Johnson's thread but Latroy Lewis is one swolled up dude (bottom right photo)

Justin Kings a big ole boy too.