South Carolina Gamecocks 2015 Position Preview: Safety

Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Isaiah Johnson

Isaiah Johnson was a 3 star recruit out of the class of 2011 according to the 247Sport Composite. He originally attended Western Carolina where he medically redshirted his freshman year. In 2012, he transferred to Iowa Western Community College where he won a NJCAA National Championship and was a Honorable Mention All-American after recording 41 tackles and 8 interceptions.

In 2013, Johnson decided to take his talents to Kansas, choosing them over Texas Tech, Illinois, and a few others. He was named the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year after starting all 12 games for the Jayhawks and recording 73 tackles and 5 interceptions.

In 2014, Johnson was second on the team in tackles with 75. He also added 1 interception and two pass break-ups. He was named Midseason All-Big 12 Second Team by Phil Steele. In all, Johnson recorded 148 tackles including 3.5 for a loss, 6 interceptions and a forced fumble.

Johnson graduated from Kansas and decided to spend his final year of stability in Columbia. The move was a perfect fit for the Gamecocks who were looking for some veteran leadership and a proven commodity at safety. “The opportunity coach Hoke gave me putting me with the ones and, right now, I am just trying to hold it and be a leader for the guys who are looking up to me and the guys I talk to a lot,” Johnson said in a post-practice interview.

Johnson has done what he set out to do. He’s rapidly ascended the depth chart and will lead the safeties into Charlotte to face the Tarheels.

Next: Jordan Diggs