The Times-Journal

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 | DeKalb County's Oldest Newspaper

Classifieds | Jobs | Homes | Autos

Johnson makes change to defense

By Jared Felkins
The Times-Journal

Published July 24, 2009

For former Fort Payne High School standout running back Nick Johnson, the transition to the college gridiron has been a bit of a waiting game.

After receiving a scholarship to play football at Jacksonville State, the 2008 graduate has spent the past season on the bench. But it’s not because of his abilities. Rather, it was a decision by coaches to redshirt the freshman.

“Getting redshirted was good because it allowed me to learn the system,” Johnson said.

The transition has also given Johnson the chance to learn a new position. During the last week of spring training, JSU coaches moved Johnson from the running back position he played his last three seasons at Fort Payne and put him at outside linebacker.

“I haven’t played a lot of defense,” Johnson said. “I played defense my freshman year in high school. I don’t care where I play as long as I play. I would rather play tailback because I am the most used to that. I’ve always had a defensive mentality. I wish I had done more of it in high school. I like linebacker.”

It’s a position Johnson hadn’t played extensively since his freshman year at Fort Payne. But when he did play defense, Johnson made the most of it.

His senior year, Johnson had 25 tackles, including two for loss, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, two interceptions and one pass broken up.

That’s while Johnson, at running back, carried the ball 82 times for 655 yards and 22 touchdowns and caught 52 passes for 934 yards and 14 TDs.

“I didn’t get a lot of opportunities at defense but I tried to make the most of them,” Johnson said. “I like that side of the ball.”

In terms of transitioning to college football, Johnson said it’s different than suiting up for the Wildcats.

“There was a lot to get used to,” Johnson said. “In high school it’s like you are playing with friends you grew up with. In college, it’s more of like a business. You show up and are in and out. There are meetings all the time. It is different than what I was used to at Fort Payne.

“There’s definitely a lot of pressure to go out and perform and try and earn a spot on the field.”

JSU outside linebackers coach Maxwell Thurmond said Johnson will see some playing time in the fall.

“Nick is doing well. We moved him over from offense to defense late in the spring,” Thurmond said. “We feel he is going to help us at special teams and get into the defensive rotation as the season goes on. He’s real physical and not afraid of contact. There’s no doubt he will play on all special teams.”

Johnson said he feels good about getting some playing time in his debut with Jacksonville State.

“I’m pretty confident about this year,” Johnson said. “As early as it is right now and how long I’ve been on defense, I don’t know much about a depth chart. I feel like I will get some playing time on defense and special teams.”

Johnson said getting to know his coaches has been important.

“I’ve gotten to know them pretty well,” Johnson said. “They are good about getting to know you and caring about you as a person rather than just what you are doing on the field.”

Johnson said going into his sophomore year academically, life away from the football field has been good.

“I’m making good grades,” Johnson said. “I like the school and the teachers are good. In that sense, it does kind of feel like home because the classes aren’t huge and I’ve gotten some one-on-one with the teachers.”

Johnson left with the team on Friday headed for a rafting trip on the Ocoee River in Georgia. He said it’s a bonding experience with his teammates he’s been looking forward to.

“It’s just spending some time with the players and getting to know them outside of the pressures of football,” Johnson said.

Johnson said he and his fellow Gamecocks are also excited about an expansion that’s expected to be completed soon at Paul Snow Stadium.

“We’re all excited about that,” he said. “It’s a nice upgrade to the stadium. I’m lucky they are doing this when I came in.”

Share | Save | Mail | Print

Photo Reprints
Purchase select photographs from local games and events. New from The Times-Journal and The Times-Journal.

Business Card Directory

Your Fort Payne and DeKalb County reference guide, featuring accounting, automotive, banks, insurance, restaurants and much more!

Subscription Services: Circulation | Home Delivery | Back Issues | Vacation Stops | Newspapers In Education

The Fort Payne Times-Journal | Publisher: J.D. Davidson

811 Greenhill Blvd.NW, Fort Payne, Alabama 35967 | Tel: 256-845-2550 | Email