Tyrell Johnson Conference Call
Second-Round Press Conference
Tyrell Johnson Action Photos: #1 #2 #3 #4
Overview
With a perfect blend of size, strength, speed and field smarts, Marcellus Tyrell Johnson might not have garnered much media attention, but his numbers truly stand out against any other safety in the nation. He holds the Sun Belt Conference career records for most tackles (363) and most interception return yards (309), as he also established league records for most yards gained on interception returns in a season (142 in 2007) and most tackles in a game (25 vs. North Texas, 2005).
Johnson's 92-yard interception return vs. Florida International in 2005 is the second-longest run back in Sun Belt Conference annals and ranks fourth in school history. His 28 passes defended (13 interceptions, 15 break-ups) rank second on the Sun Belt all-time record list, while his 13 interceptions rank third.
At Rison High School, Johnson earned All-State and All-Conference honors in 2002, despite being hampered all season by a nagging high ankle sprain. He helped the team to a perfect record as ASU captured the Class 8AA title, adding All-District accolades in each of his final three seasons. He was a two-time All-Southeast Arkansas choice and a Marine Scholar. He rushed for 1,085 yards (7.7 avg) and 16 touchdowns, while returning 22 punts for 198 yards as a senior.
Competing as a defensive back and running back, Johnson had 353 career rushes for 2,725 yards (7.72 avg), including 49 touchdowns. He caught six passes for 120 yards and had 53 punt returns for 460 yards. He added 18 kickoff returns for 339 yards and one score, had three interceptions (returned one for score), recorded 20 tackles, forced two fumbles and recovered two others. He also lettered in basketball and participated in track and field for three seasons. He started on Rison's 2000 Class AA state championship hoops team.
Johnson enrolled at Arkansas State in 2003, spending the season adjusting to playing safety on the scout team. He took over free safety chores in 2004, earning Freshman All-American and second-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors. He finished third on the team with 94 tackles (61 solos), as he caused a fumble and recovered another that he advanced for a touchdown. He picked off four passes and broke up five others.
As a sophomore, Johnson shifted to strong safety, picking up All-Sun Belt Conference first-team recognition, as he was twice named the league's Player of the Week. He led the team with 112 tackles (83 solos), causing and recovering one fumble. He deflected two passes and had a pair of interceptions, including a 92-yarder, while averaging 17.0 yards on three kickoff returns.
In 2006, Johnson again led the team with 63 tackles (43 solos), earning first-team All-Sun Belt Conference accolades. He picked off a pass, knocked down four others and had a stop behind the line of scrimmage.
Johnson was a third-team All-American, first-team All-Sun Belt Conference and league Defensive Player of the Year in 2007. He placed fourth on the squad with 94 tackles (58 solos), including 4.5 stops for losses and two forced fumbles. He had four pass break-ups and six interceptions, returning one for a touchdown from his strong safety position.
In 46 games at Arkansas State, all starts, Johnson registered 363 tackles (245 solos) with 6.5 stops for losses of 31 yards. He caused four fumbles and recovered two others, returning one 55 yards for a touchdown. He broke up 15 passes and intercepted 13 others for 309 yards in returns (23.77 avg.) and a score. He gained 51 yards on three kickoff returns (17.0 avg.), 2 yards on two carries, 3 yards on a punt return and 3 yards on a reception.
Career Notes
Holds the Sun Belt Conference career record with 363 tackles, topping the previous mark of 300 by Steve Tookes of Arkansas State (2001-04)...His 363 tackles also rank sixth in school annals behind Jerry Muckensturm (493, 1972-75), Bill Bergey (436, 1965-68), Ron Smith (422, 1976-79), Mike Malham (370, 1972-75) and Mike Morris (366, 1979-82)...Holds the Sun Belt all-time record with 309 yards gained on interception returns, topping the previous mark of 236 yards by Koby McKinnon of Arkansas State (2004-2007)...Only Terry Whiting (374, 1968-71) had more yards via interception returns in school history...His 142 yards gained on interception returns in 2007 topped the previous Sun Belt season record of 138 yards by Chaz Williams of Louisiana-Monroe in 2005...Johnson's 13 pass thefts rank third in league annals, surpassed by Chris Harris of Louisiana-Monroe (14, 2001-04) and Johnathan Burke of Arkansas State (14, 2003-04)...His 28 passes defended (13 interceptions, 15 deflections) rank second in conference history behind Jonas Buckles of North Texas (30, 18 interceptions, 12 break-ups, 2001-04)...Holds the Sun Belt game record with 25 tackles vs. North Texas in 2005...Only Bergey (33 vs. Eastern Michigan in 1968( had more tackles in a game in ASU history...His 92-yard interception return vs. Florida International in 2005 is the second-longest run back in Sun Belt annals, topped by Maurice Holman of North Texas (99 vs. Middle Tennessee, 9-10-2005).
High School
Attended Rison (Ark.) High School, earning All-State and All-Conference honors in 2002, despite being hampered all season by a nagging high ankle sprain...Helped the team to a perfect record as it captured the Class 8AA title, adding All-District accolades in each of his final three seasons...Two-time All-Southeast Arkansas choice and a Marine Scholar...Rushed for 1,085 yards (7.7 avg.) and 16 touchdowns, while returning 22 punts for 198 yards as a senior...Competing as a defensive back and running back, Johnson had 353 career rushes for 2,725 yards (7.72 avg.), including 49 touchdowns...Caught six passes for 120 yards and had 53 punt returns for 460 yards...Added 18 kickoff returns for 339 yards and one score, had three interceptions (returned one for score), recorded 20 tackles, forced two fumbles and recovered two others...Also lettered in basketball and participated in track and field for three seasons...Started on Rison's 2000 Class AA state championship hoops team.
Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange.