Profile of William Johnson

George Walker IV | The Tennessean

Nashville Pearl Cohn's William Johnson caught a touchdown pass over Memphis East's Corey Seymour during a game at Maplewood High School on Aug. 25, 2007. George Walker IV | The Tennessean

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UK Coach Rich Brooks on William Johnson

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FROM HERALD-LEADER SPORTS COLUMNIST JOHN CLAY: A 6-3, 195-pound linebacker who played Pearl-Cohn High School. Played safety, linebacker, wide receiver and tailback. Had 12 quarterback sacks as a senior. Teammate of fellow UK signee DeAunte Mason. Plays catcher and center field on the Pearl-Cohn baseball team.

FROM UKATHLETICS.COM: Versatile athlete who performed at multiple positions at Pearl-Cohn HS in Nashville, Tenn. … At various times he played free safety and linebacker on defense and played wide receiver and tailback on offense … Also excelled at returning punts and kickoffs … Has a frame that will enable him to continue to gain size and strength while in college … His speed enabled him to be an effective blitzer, as he had 12 quarterback sacks as a senior, along with 80 tackles and a pair of interceptions … On offense he had 37 catches for 689 yards and 12 touchdowns … Rushed 21 times for 350 yards and four TDs … Averaged a phenomenal 35 yards per punt return … Helped Pearl-Cohn advance to the Class AAA state semifinals as a junior and senior … All-city, all-region, and second-team all-state as a senior … Has been timed at 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash … Coached by Tony Brunetti … Teammate of fellow UK signee DeAunte Mason … His athletic versatility also shows in other sports … Plays basketball and baseball in addition to football … Plays catcher and center field in baseball, another unique combination.