Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Ben Johnson, LB, Tennessee-Martin

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Ben Johnson, LB, Tennessee-Martin 

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

Only a couple teams recruited me out of high school. Mostly NAIA schools.

Where did you choose and why?

I chose UT Martin because I felt the urge to prove that I could play at that level

What were your goals for your senior year?

Goals for my senior year were to win a conference championship. Be an all American and lead the OVC in tackles. I accomplished the latter two.

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?

I have met with scouts and they’re telling me they think I move very well and have a good skill set.

At your position, what separates you from the others?

What separates me at my position is being able to run sideline to sideline. I make tackles. Also, being able to understand what’s unfolding in front of me.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?

I look for tendencies of certain players to dictate certain plates. For example if the guard looks which way he’s going to block. I also look at probabilities of what plays on what down and distance the other team likes to run.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

The toughest player I ever faced was Jordan Lynch. Extremely versatile player.

If you could compare your play to one person in the NFL who would it be?

I would compare myself to Luke Keuchly. He is all over the field and makes a lot of tackles.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you

overcome it?

The biggest obstacle I’ve faced was deciding whether to play basketball or football in college.

What system fits your style of play the best?

I think either a 4-3 or a 3-4 fits me well. I’m versatile enough to play in either system

What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength is my pursuit to the ball. I have a motor.

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness would be that there are times I want to do too much.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

I would say there is NO ONE that will work harder than me. I will earn my keep.

Growing up, who was your role model?

My role model growing up was my father. And still is. He taught me how to be a man.

Who was your player in the NFL and why?

My favorite player was Brian Urlacher because of his leadership abilities and his work ethic.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?

I would eat with my grandfather, father, and my brother.

With your first paycheck what would you buy?

The first paycheck I got would go into my savings account.