“It’s because of the high expectation I have for him. “So I just bring stories like that up from where I came from and from that perspective, I think it always keeps me humble and hopeful.”īeyond the physicality and speed at which he has been assimilating to Florida State’s defense over the offseason, Norvell said that attitude has impressed him the most and it’s why Norvell said he treats Johnson like a veteran and as if he would have already been coaching him for several years. “I always say that there’s guys wishing that they can be where you are, like really wishing, like in the middle of nowhere with no money, no clothes, nothing to eat. “There's a point where I was at the bottom of the bottom, and I was wishing to get to be in their shoes,” Johnson said referring to players he knew who made it to larger schools in bigger cities.
#CHARMAS JERMAINE JOHNSON PRO#
“He embodies that mentality just as being a professional before the pro and really took charge of the defense in Kansas, man, and the way he played, it speaks for itself.”īut earning that opportunity was a struggle, which Johnson learned from and taught him about perseverance and kept him humble. “It’s just his work ethic, you know, I mean he’s a first (in) guy and last (out) guy type of dude for sure,” said FSU quarterback McKenzie Milton. Johnson was rated a consensus top-three JUCO prospect nationally, which eventually caught the attention of FBS schools and led to him signing with Georgia.
#CHARMAS JERMAINE JOHNSON SERIES#
Johnson recorded 12.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 20 games at Independence Community College, a school that was featured on the third season of the Netflix series ‘Last Chance U.’ Johnson, who grew up in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, a small city with a population of roughly 66,000 found himself playing junior college football at even tinier Independence, Kansas, with a population of under 10,000. There was a time not that long ago when Johnson feared he’d never get any such chance to play FBS-level football or beyond.
Watch Video: Watch: FSU coach Mike Norvell talks at ACC Kickoff It was about what we’re trying to do and the responsibility he held to the guys he lined up beside. “From the first meeting we had, he gathered the defensive line and told them this wasn’t going to be about him. “He understood the expectation and that’s something I appreciated,” Norvell said. Johnson has been entrusted by Norvell to do much more than bring down opposing quarterbacks.įrom the moment he set foot on campus, FSU’s second-year coach has held Johnson to a high expectation both on the field and off it when it comes to being a leader and a mentor – something rare for a player with no previous experience playing for that particular school.
An opportunity to come to Florida State, be a guy that can truly help be the face of the defense.” “Jermaine is a young man that has shown the ability to do that at a very high level during the course of his collegiate career. “We know we need to have that impact there on our defensive front,” FSU coach Mike Norvell said. 11ĪCC Kickoff: Rivals Miami, North Carolina both circled Florida State on their schedules. “The thing I've been most pleased with is his commitment in the run game, how hard he's practiced, the physicality he's shown.”Īt FSU, Johnson is taking on a much larger role and figures to make one of the biggest impacts on a defense that desperately needs more pass rushers after mustering only 10 sacks in nine games last season.īobby Bowden: 'Grace, faith and courage': Bobby Bowden's announcement brings forth a slew of well wishesįootball: Florida State football most important player countdown: No. “People look through his career, there at his last institution, you saw the pass-rush ability, you saw the impact that he can make,” Norvell said. His five sacks last season were third among Georgia defenders. During that time, Johnson totaled 36 tackles, including eight for loss with 7.5 sacks and 24 quarterback pressures. Johnson appeared in 21 games and made four starts, playing mostly as a third-down specialist for the Bulldogs over the past two seasons. These guys are trusting me and I can’t let them down.” I feel the responsibility of it and I love the pressure, I love everything about it. “I enjoyed last season very much at Georgia and I love those guys, but I’m glad to be here now,” Johnson said. View Gallery: Gallery: FSU football most important player countdown
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