This is part of a series looking at potential 2023 NFL draft picks from the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University.
As productive as Dyontae Johnson was on the field, his leadership may have stood out even more.
For five seasons — and especially the last three — the linebacker from Detroit was a valuable locker room presence, providing a reassuring voice during times of adversity and a booming cheer of motivation when the Rockets encountered pivotal moments.
Johnson’s sensible and practical outlook allowed him to be a trusted team spokesman, but it was his all-out effort, toughness, and ability to perform in the most important games that brought impenetrable respect among his peers.
NFL franchises have watched film of Johnson and have no doubt heard about his impact off the field, an attribute that could tip his draft stock in his favor.
Here is what to know about Johnson.
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 235 pounds
Hometown: Detroit (Cass Tech)
Projected NFL position: Linebacker
What you’ll remember about him at UT: Reliable is a good word to describe Johnson. On Saturday — or during the week, in the case of MACtion — Johnson was going to come ready, and he was going to make a difference on defense. Johnson had double-digit tackles at Notre Dame and Ohio State and was active all over the field in Toledo’s MAC championship victory against Ohio and in the Boca Raton Bowl triumph over Liberty.
Key stats: In 57 career games, Johnson recorded 273 tackles, including 22½ tackles for loss and 6½ sacks. He had one interception, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and nine passes defended. He led the team in tackles in 2020, was fourth in 2021, and second in 2022. Johnson did not miss a game his entire career.
Career development: Cass Tech is not your run-of-the-mill high school football program. It supplies talent for some of the best programs in the country and under-recruited, overlooked alums populate the MAC. Johnson fit the mold of the latter. He played in all 13 games as a true freshman and had 23 tackles as a sophomore, starting every game the final three seasons of his career. He was a third-team All-MAC selection as a junior and second-team as a senior. Johnson had double-digit tackles in 10 of his final 27 games.
His future: If he’s drafted, Johnson isn’t expected to hear his name until the later rounds. Most prognosticators have him pegged as a sought-after undrafted free agent. He helped his cause at the Hula Bowl, recording two tackles. Johnson busted a trick play and made an open-field tackle, playing in coverage and as a speed rusher. He impressed onlookers in practices earlier in the week.
The biggest hang-up on Johnson is his speed, as draft experts view him as being a step slow. But his ability to read plays quickly, stop the run, and approach ball carriers from the pepper angle could outweigh the cons.
Quote: “Johnson was very productive for Toledo and made a lot of plays in the box and up the field. He lacks next-level size and speed, but his tenacity and ability to consistently produce give him an edge this summer.” — Tony Pauline, Pro Football Network
First Published April 26, 2023, 6:33 p.m.
