Golden Nuggets: Getting to know DE commit Jonathan Johnson

Welcome Cal's newest Golden Bear!

By Leland Wong Dec 19, 2013, 3:30pm PST

In a recurring trend for this offseason, I'll describe a defensive recruit as being critical since that position group is so thin. This week--defensive end! Jonathan Johnson, who was previously committed to ASU, will complete his AA and start practicing this spring.

"They'll be playing me at weakside rusher and I'm excited about how'd they'll be using me there."

"Jonathan's a very quick and aggressive pass rusher," said Pierce assistant coach Mike Hill. "Coming out of junior college, he's only going to get stronger and faster in a program like Cal, where he'll get in a good strength and conditioning program and put on good weight."

Beyond his play, it's important to see if the league's Defensive Player of the Year will succeed at Cal academically.

"Jonathan's kind of typical of many JC players," said Hill. "In high school, he didn't take things seriously and wasn't a qualifier so he went to Snow College in Utah. Then he ended up transferring to Pierce and injured his knee last season so he got a medical redshirt.

"In high school, I only had a 1.7 gpa and didn't really take it seriously," said Johnson. "To come from that to having an opportunity to play at the number one public school in the country is an incredible opportunity to do something special. So I was able to use football to help me accomplish what I want in life."

Johnson is wrapping up his AA this month and currently has a 2.7 gpa at Pierce.

I'm glad to see Johnson get a second chance academically now that he's taking it seriously.

CalBears.com also has a great look at all five of our new Golden Bears.