 
Johnson tabbed Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week
DALLAS — University of Texas sophomore linebacker Derrick Johnson (Waco, Texas) was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of Week, the conference office announced on Monday. Johnson, The Sporting News' 2001 National Freshman of the Year, led the Longhorns defensive attack in Saturday's 27-0 season-opening victory against North Texas. The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder posted 12 tackles, three TFLs and a pair of QB pressures and spearheaded UT's first season-opening shutout in 24 years (34-0, at Rice, 1978). The Horns allowed only 145 yards of total offense (90 rush/55 pass) and forced eight three-and-outs in 13 possessions. It was the Longhorns' fifth-best defensive effort since 1990 and their fourth sub-200-yard performance in the last six contests (dating back to 2001). "Derrick Johnson is quickly becoming one of the best linebackers in Texas history and one of the best in the country," UT head coach Mack Brown said on Monday. "He is an outstanding player who is key to our defense right now." The No. 3 Longhorns, who do not play this week, return to action on Saturday, Sept. 14, when they travel to North Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. (CT) at Kenan Memorial Stadium and the game will be televised by ABC Sports.
|
|
