Deandre

Johnson

The Vols are losing a solid contributor in Johnson. The 6-foot-3, 255-pounder has played at least six games in all four seasons at Tennessee. He really started to come on during his junior season, when he racked up 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Johnson kicked it up a notch again in 2020, earning six tackles for loss and a solid 4.5 sacks in just 10 games. Alas, Johnson will be spending his fifth and final year of eligibility, granted due to a recent NCAA ruling because of the COVID-shortened season, somewhere other than Knoxville.

Maryland, West Virginia, Cal, Auburn, Mississippi State and Tennessee are the magnificent six in Johnson’s eyes. ESPN 300 does not rank him in their master list, noting that the 6-foot-4, 236-pounder is something of a developmental prospect at this stage. The outlet does like his raw tools.

Johnson’s story is a remarkable one, as he was stabbed three times in the chest during his sophomore season at Miami Southridge. The 6-foot-4, 236-pounder underwent surgery to repair his injuries and subsequently made a full recovery. He will be suiting up in spring practice as an early-enrollee with the Volunteers.