Alabama’s Johnson on track in 2008

By Robert Rousseau  |   Tuesday, May 13, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Alabama Crimson Tide
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This is for all of you math fans out there. Let’s set up the equation.

Success as a defensive back = experience + tackling ability + coverage skills + big-play ability + solid coaching

Now, utilizing the above equation, let’s talk about Alabama Crimson Tide senior safety Rashad Johnson.

Experience: Johnson is a senior who started all 13 games for the Tide last season.

Tackling ability: Last season, Johnson led the Tide with 94 total tackles, including 57 solo stops.

Coverage skills: Johnson managed eight pass breakups, which is a solid stat by itself, in 2007. However, the fact that he led the entire SEC with six interceptions says a lot more about his ability to make plays in coverage. Speaking of making plays ...

Big play ability: As was stated previously, Johnson led the league in interceptions, which is the definition of big plays on defense. Beyond that, he totaled one sack, 5.5 tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, and two quarterback hurries.

Not bad, eh?

Solid coaching: When you play against the level of competition that the SEC puts out on a regular basis, having a good coach who understands your position is a must. Nick Saban is a known defensive backs guru with a proven track record coaching the position.

Thus, it’s no wonder that Johnson has been named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy preseason watch list for the nation’s top defensive player. He was named an All-SEC performer last season; and if there’s anything we’ve learned over the years, it’s that if you can do it in the SEC, you can pretty much do it anywhere.

You’ve got to think that Johnson has as good a chance as any to make big-time waves in 2008. The equation says so.
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About Robert Rousseau

Robert Rousseau is a sports writer that has been published in a variety of print and online venues. He’s been writing for RealFootball365.com for almost three years now. When Rousseau isn’t writing about college football he tends to be penning mixed martial arts pieces for MMAFighting.com or ...
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