Returning at linebacker for the Baylor Bears, senior Antonio Johnson has a leg up this season with his experience of 22 career starts. According to Baylor defensive coordinator Brian Norwood, Johnson’s attitude makes him a great benefit as a starter.
“He’s going to work hard, and he’s going to make plays. He’s an aggressive player, a talent and skill set that needs to be on the field. He really does a nice job,” Norwood said.
The third-year starting outside linebacker is one of the top returning tacklers for Baylor with 77, including 37 solo stops, in the 2009 season.
Johnson’s defensive skills as an outside linebacker have been modified since his days as a defensive end at Waco High School, where he helped lead the team to a 13-3 record.
“He was tenacious pass rusher, and he had uncanny ability to sack the quarterback,” said Johnny Tusa, Johnson’s high school coach.
Tusa added that Johnson could have played many other positions with his speed, but he best fit the Lions at defensive end.
Along with contributing to an impressive team record as a senior, Johnson earned the Waco Tribune-Herald Super Centex Defensive Player of the Year in 2006 as well as the District 16-4A defensive MVP.
“He came in with a natural ability but has really worked to play a lot of different defensive positions for us,” Norwood said.
After being recruited and receiving offers from schools like Kansas State, Johnson made a decision to stay near home and attend Baylor University.
It was a “decision that allowed him to play in the Big 12 and stay home,” Tusa said.
Since first playing for the Bears in 2007, Johnson has continued to improve each year. As a freshman Johnson totaled 16 tackles, increasing to 72 as a sophomore and 77 as a junior. Each year his total tackles for loss have gone up as well from .5 as a freshman, 5 for 15 yards as a sophomore to 6 for 24 yards as a junior.
Not only has Johnson raised his tackles, but he has also grabbed two career interceptions, one being the 54-yard return in last year’s season finale versus Texas Tech.
“The only way you can be confident is to be productive. (Johnson)’s been a productive player for a long time. When he talks, we listen, and everybody pays attention because he backs it up with play,” coach Art Briles said.
Johnson’s work-ethic and energy have contributed to his leading the team in a unique way.
“I’ve been ready to take this on. I’ve been already considering myself a leader since I was starting as a sophomore. Now it’s a role that I love, just to be a part of the team, knowing they look up to me,” Johnson said.
The hard-working senior has had a successful athletic career, and Norwood believes he has a bright future.
In regards to the NFL, “He definitely has the potential for that,” Norwood said.
“Right now his focus is to his team, getting things going and turned around for Baylor. If he’s able to keep progressing, opportunities are definitely still there-but like anything it’s finding the right fit, the right team,” Norwood said.