DRAGON ATHLETICS
News
JOHNSON RELIABLE DEFENDER FOR THE DRAGONS
By Larry Scott, MSU Moorhead Sports Information Director
Sometimes you need to look beyond the headlines and beneath the glare of television cameras to find the real essence of college football. While the focus will always be on those chosen few---quarterbacks, runningbacks, elite receivers, menacing middle linebackers--- it’s often the faceless, selfless souls that toil in anonymity that make all the difference.
The quiet maturation that transformed Trent Johnson from prospect to a trusted everyday defender hasn’t attracted a lot of attention at Minnesota State University Moorhead, but those close to the program are fully aware of the sizable contributions of the 6-0, 185 pound senior outside linebacker.
Surely Johnson will once again fill a vital role in today’s Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference showdown with University of Upper Iowa and few will notice, only those that really matter---especially Dragon defensive coordinator Brandon Lemer.
“Trent relies on knowledge of our defense and the opponents’ offense,” said Lemer. “He puts in a lot of film time, and he’s never out of position. Trent doesn’t make mental mistakes and is very good at defending the pass. Part of that comes from his background as a safety.”
Johnson fills some other needs as well.
“Trent’s a great locker room guy,” Lemer said. “He brings a lot to practice every day, and the younger kids look up to him. He’s a fifth-year player, and the guys just love him.”
The Bismarck, ND native arrived in 2003 and joined a list of freshmen redshirts his first season at State. Johnson was given an initial trial at strong safety but was relocated at outside linebacker in the spring of 2006 and adapted quickly to the change.
“The biggest challenge is keeping contain and making sure nobody gets outside of you,” Johnson said. Experience has been a key ally in meeting that assignment.
“I’m more aware now of the game, and I think that comes from maturity and from watching others,” Johnson said.
Make no mistake, Johnson has delivered. In four starts Johnson has been credited with 14 tackles, including 10 unassisted tackles, two tackles for loss and two quarterback sacks. He has also been responsible for one pass breakup, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery as well.
While the Dragons were largely dissed by the 2007 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference pre-season coaches’ poll, Johnson and his pals are well fortified with confidence.
“We have a lot of returnees from last year, especially at linebacker and in the secondary, and we have good chemistry,” Johnson said. “Our defensive line is new, but they are coming around.”
Last weekend’s rousing 42-18 roadkill of Wayne State College added more fuel to the Dragons’ emotional tank.
One of 12 seniors on the latest Dragon football edition, Johnson has also accepted a larger leadership role in 2007. Still, don’t look for him campaigning on every street corner. “I try to lead by example; I’m not the most vocal guy,” Johnson said.
He also isn’t much into individual goals. “I just try to make every play I can and not mess up any. On defense our goal is to go three-and-out on every series.”
Johnson filled a major supporting role on the outside last fall and logged 20 unassisted tackles and 17 assisted tackles, including 3.5 for loss and one quarterback sack. He was also credited with three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery.
A three-year letterman at State, he redshirted at MSU Moorhead in 2003.
Johnson is a graduate of Century High School and lettered in basketball and football. He was named to the All-Western Dakota Athletic football honor team at runningback and defensive back as a senior and was a North Dakota All-State football selection in 2002.
A Business Administration major, Johnson is thinking about a career as a firefighter.
“It’s kind of been a goal of mine ever since I was a little kid, and I might pursue it after I graduate.”
