DJ Johnson Jr.

Position:
Linebacker
Height:
6-0
Weight:
224
Class:
Redshirt Junior
Hometown:
Hampton, Ga.
High School:
Dutchtown
Major:
Recreation & Parks Management

Two-year letterman (2024-25) … Started eight of 28 career games (all starts in 2025) … Registered 89 total tackles (43 solo) with 6.5 TFLs (-12 yards) that includes a half sack (-4 yards) … Credited with two quarterback hurries … Booked at least one tackle in 23 of 28 games (multiple 18 times) … Officially signed with East Carolina on Dec. 21, 2022 and enrolled in 2023.

2025: Started eight of 13 contests earning second varsity letter … Registered a team second-best 60 tackles (29 solo) … Recorded 5.0 TFLs (-10 yards) with a half sack (-4 yards) … Credited with two quarterback hurries … Logged 389 defensive snaps … Recorded a career-high 10 tackles (seven solo) at UTSA, which were the most by a Pirate in 2025 … Lone sack was against Pittsburgh in the Go Bowling Military Bowl … Credited with at least a half TFL against Army (1.0/-1 yard), Charlotte (0.5/-1 yard), Memphis (0.5/0 yards), UTSA (2.0/-3 yards), FAU (0.5/-1 yard) and Pittsburgh (0.5/-4 yards) … Stood 48th in The American in tackles per game (4.6).

2024: Played in all 13 games earning first varsity letter … Logged 188 total snaps (185 defense, 3 special teams) … Booked 28 tackles (13 solo) … Registered a half TFL (-1 yard) against Navy … Credited with a pass breakup and recovered one fumble at Liberty … Registered at least one tackle in nine of 13 games (multiple six times) … Tallied a career-high five tackles on three occasions (Temple, Norfolk State, Charlotte).

2023: Played in a pair of games during first initial year with the program … Logged nine total snaps (6 defense, 3 special teams) … Made collegiate debut at Navy recording one tackle, which yard TFL (minus one yard) … Also played against Tulsa in the season finale but did not record any stats.

High School: Member of Dutchtown team that posted a 12-2 overall record as a senior … Earned preseason all-state honors … As a junior he helped Dutchtown to the state playoffs … Earned Region 4-AAAAA Defensive Player of the Year honors and first-team all-state accolades … Finished the season with 132 tackles to go along with 21 TFLs, six sacks, one interception and four pass breakups … As a freshman participated in the Seventh Annual Georgia Elite Classic … Three-star prospect by 247Sports Composite, ESPN and Rivals … Chose East Carolina over offers from Georgia Tech, Kansas, Kansas State, Tulane, Vanderbilt and others.

Personal: Father Dwight played at Baylor (defensive end) and spent time in the National Football League with the Philadelphia Eagles (2000), New York Giants (2002) and New England Patriots (2003).