Hoosiers have a big hole to fill in the defensive backfield
Indiana’s defense will return the majority of its most important players in 2021. But not all of them.
Junior safety Jamar Johnson announced Monday that he will forego his remaining eligibility and enter the NFL Draft, ending an IU career that saw him develop into an All-Big Ten First Team-caliber ballhawk in the secondary.
Moving from Husky to safety last spring turned out to be a good switch for Johnson, who tied Jaylin Williams for the team lead with four interceptions. Johnson also posted 43 total tackles, 33 solo stops and broke up four passes, as well, emerging as one of IU’s best playmakers on that side of the ball.
He was named the Big Ten’s co-Defensive Player of the Week after recording 10 tackles, one tackle for loss, a pick and a forced fumble in the season opener against Penn State.
Johnson made his announcement in this post to his Twitter account:
“I would like to start by giving thanks to God for being the guiding force of my life and for giving me all the tools to play the game of football at a high level. Without Him, nothing would be possible.
“I would like to give thanks to my family for being such an awesome support system and cheering me on throughout my whole life, on and off the field.
“I would also like to thank Coach Allen and all of my coaches for believing in me and providing me with an opportunity to further my education and career at Indiana University. it has most definitely been an amazing journey over these past three years at IU.
“I can truly say that I’ve grown as a man and as a player during my time in Bloomington. I am forever grateful to have gained lifelong friends and brothers in the process.
Without everyone that I mentioned above, and so many others who have helped me along the way, this whole thing would not be possible. So, from the bottom of my heart, I would like to say thank you.
“With that being said, and after much prayer and long conversation with my family, I have decided that I will be entering the 2021 NFL Draft. I have loved my time at IU and will always bleed crimson and cream!”
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