My final defensive lineman to make this team is Austin Johnson Austin Johnson 5'10" | 220 lbs | DL North Laurel | 2024 State KY from North Laurel. Johnson caught my attention last season and continued to impress as a senior. He lines up at defensive end where he has been very impressive against the run. Johnson explodes out of his stance and uses his strength and speed to fight through and blow right by offensive linemen to get to the ball carrier to make the tackle before they can get going. He finished the regular season with 86 tackles and four tackles for loss. Austin also showed the ability to use his speed to blow by opposing offensive tackles off the edge as a pass rusher, finishing the regular season with seven sacks. Johnson currently holds an offer from Union College and I  wouldn’t be surprised to see more come his way as he has the talent to play at the next level.

Of course, Johnson’s reputation as one of Kentucky’s top defensive talents precedes this article. As the two-time state defending state leader in sacks (with 21 and 23, respectively) and a returning member of numerous all-state teams, he already has the attention of numerous fans–and quite a number of opposing offensive coordinators. His junior season for the Jaguars yielded 31 solo tackles and 67 assists in 11 games, including 11 tackles for loss and 23 total sacks along with 1 forced fumble. In his junior season, he also took on some measure of double duty by playing offensively in certain down/distance situations, carrying the ball 12 times for 79 yards and 2 touchdowns. While not especially long, tall or physically imposing, Johnson achieves such productivity primarily when he is permitted to align loosely off the frame of the last blocker on the line of scrimmage, and this his quick initial get off, flexible body lean into offensive pressure and continual acceleration. When left on an island to single block such a technically proficient and tireless opponent, more often than not, tackles will struggle to succeed.

Past Analysis: Austin had an unforgettable sophomore season as he led the entire state of Kentucky in total sacks with 21. The North Laurel Defensive End brutally dominated the opposing offense every game, constantly putting pressure on the quarterback and sacking them as well. The unique trait that helps Johnson dominate is the brute strength that helps him bulldoze over the opposing guards, which enables him to put pressure on and sack the QB. Along with that, Johnson inherits great hand skills that allow him to drive past a guard if they are bigger. If this kid continues to produce state-leading sack numbers like he did last season, look to see him signing papers to a college in the near future.

End of Season: Austin finished the 2022 season by finishing 1st statewide in total sacks recording 23 total. The Junior did not disappoint this season as he improved his overall sack number from his sophomore year (21 total sacks in 2021). Austin’s pure strength and lightweight footwork help ease him off the line of scrimmage and quickly get to the quarterback. The North Laurel defensive end makes the game look way too easy every time he steps foot on the field. With only 1 reported DI school interested in him, I expect many more to start drawing interest in the young stud. I believe he will continue to flourish his game for his 2023 senior season.

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Past Analysis: Austin had an unforgettable sophomore season as he led the entire state of Kentucky in total sacks with 21. The North Laurel Defensive End brutally dominated the opposing offense every game, constantly putting pressure on the quarterback and sacking them as well. The unique trait that helps Johnson dominate is the brute strength that helps him bulldoze over the opposing guards, which enables him to put pressure on and sack the QB. Along with that, Johnson inherits great hand skills that allow him to drive past a guard if they are bigger. If this kid continues to produce state-leading sack numbers like he did last season, look to see him signing papers to a college in the near future.

Current Season: With just a week left of football for most Kentucky teams, Austin Johnson Austin Johnson 5'10" | 220 lbs | DL North Laurel | 2024 State KY still leads the whole 5A state class in total sacks with 17. His strength and brutality on the defensive line have improved from last year’s dominant play. His pure dominance on the line is noted by every opposing offense that has to face him and the North Laurel defense. I expect him to finish out just as strong, if not better, than last year for North Laurel. I believe that Austin will be gaining more recruiting interest from schools after the end of his junior season this fall.

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