David Johnson David Johnson 5'11" | 200 lbs | LB Dudley | 2029 State NC is coming off a phenomenal freshman season and has quickly established himself as one of Dudley’s top young defenders. At 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds, Johnson is a physical, explosive linebacker with outstanding speed and athleticism. A standout baseball player as well, he brings excellent range to the field, flying from sideline to sideline to make plays. His instincts, closing speed, and ability to track down ball carriers make him one of the rising stars on the Panthers’ defense, and his impact should only continue to grow this season.

Playing behind a strong defensive line, Johnson was excellent at swooping in and cleaning up the mess in the running game. He’s a strong, reliable tackler with great size. If a player has those two things going for him, it’s usually a good indication he’ll eventually end up as a talented recruit. He made some great plays down the field, and with Dudley’s leading tackler departing, I think we’ll see him make more plays near the line of scrimmage as a sophomore.

When you watch Johnson’s film, it’s important to remember he’s just a freshman. That’s not because he makes freshman mistakes, but because it’s easy to forget when you watch the free-flowing linebacker. He has good early size, and he can fly to the football when a running back breaks free. He has some room to grow as a pass defender, but his athleticism suggests that aspect of his game will come in time.

We love young linebackers with a natural feel for defending the run and the size to immediately contribute. Johnson is a guy who can fit gaps and get downhill to stuff running backs. We’d love to see him in person soon, as we like the upside and think he could be one of the best players in the class.