Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
In an effort to keep even the most hardcore Miami fan up to date on their favorite players, SOTU will be running a Player Profile series. In these posts, our writers will profile players from each position that they think should get more face time. They will recap their previous year, or in some cases, preview what may be to come. That way, when the season get’s here, you hopefully will have a new found love for the team on the field.
Jaquan Johnson
S – 5’11 190 Sophomore – Miami, Fl
2015 Key Stats: 26 tackles, 1 FF, 1 INT.
Former US Army All-American in H.S. who was revered all over South Florida for his leadership and play at Killian H.S.
Played a lot of ST last year, but got more and more snaps on D as the season progressed.
Very strong tackler despite his smaller stature, with great instincts for the game, and ball skills to boot.
Likely starts the season as SS, but can play FS and maybe even some CB as well, given his versatile skill set.
Will be competing with upperclassmen Jamal Carter and Rayshawn Jenkins for playing time, but is too good to not see the field a ton.
Summary: How would I like to see Johnson utilized in Manny Diaz attacking 4-3 scheme? I’d love to see him unleashed (but remain at SS) as a monster all over the field in run support, blitzes, and of course coverage. Think Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mattieu in Orange and Green. The kid has a chance to be that good. He has a nose for the ball, and his jarring tackling style should separate RB’s and receivers as well from the ball on more than a few occasions. In the Spring Game, he had an INT and nearly had a few more picks, so he is plenty adept at staying close to his man on passing plays as well. 50+ tackles, 3-4 INT’s, and a few forced fumbles would be an outstanding sophomore campaign from Johnson. If Miami’s defense is going to excel, they need a special season from this special player. He should be very fun to watch.