2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jason Johnson, LB, Central Florida

Jason Johnson boasts great quickness as a reliable linebacker in UCF's defense. Hula Bowl scout Brinson Bagley breaks down Johnson as an NFL Prospect in his report. — Jason Johnson boasts great quickness as a reliable linebacker in UCF’s defense. Hula Bowl scout Brinson Bagley breaks down Johnson as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Jason Johnson, #0 & #15
School (Code)	FLCE
DOB, Class Yr	rSr
Height, Weight	6010, 224 lbs.
40 Yd Dash	4.67 Est.
Position/Depth	ILB 3-4, ILB 4-3/4-3 OLB
Honors/Captainship	2022 First Team All-AAC vote of league coaches and Phil SteeleSecond Team All-AAC by Pro Football NetworkFCS Sophomore All AmericanFCS Freshman All American2-time All-Ohio Valley Conference First Team (2020, 2021)
Season Viewed (yr)	2022
Games Watched	University of Central Florida @ Tulane 11/12/2022Cincinnati @ University of Central Florida 10/29/2022University of Central Florida @ South Florida 11/26/2022
Scout Name / Date	Brinson Bagley, 08/21/2023

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	Solo 70 Ast. 59 Sack 1.5 FF 2 FR 2
2021	Solo 62 Ast. 47 Sack 0.5 FF 1 FR 4
2020	Solo 37 (6 Games) Sack 0 FF 1 FR 0
2019	Solo 33 Ast. 26 Sack 0 FF 1 FR 1

Player Summary:

A 5th-year rSr who transferred to UCF from Eastern Illinois in 2022. He boasts a slightly undersized, yet muscular and stout frame. He lines up across the 2^nd level, ILB/OLB/Edge/LOS Interior rush, all in standup, displaying his versatile skill set. Against zone runs, he reads and reacts after quickly identifying the play. He looks to meet the back or squeeze the primary blocker if he’s not tackling the ball carrier himself. In power runs, he shows excellent downhill quickness and functional strength, with the ability to meet and stalemate OL blocks and bowl over skilled player blocks on his way to the carrier. He shows excellent pre-snap awareness, directing the calls and adjustments, often placing himself in the center of the action. In pass plays, he successfully covers short routes with man coverage, even sticking with a back running a fade down the sideline. He is a relentless player with solid sideline-to-sideline speed and never gives up on a play. Possessing very good UOH, which he uses to quickly maneuver through run blocks and keep cutters at a distance. A durable player, he has not missed a start since 2019 before becoming a full-time starter, playing heavy minutes, generating career 5 FF and 7FR.

He struggles with agility and range in coverage. In the zone, he lacks recovery and shows limited mobility across his section with a slow plant step and pivot ability. His pass reaction is limited as he rarely can make a play on the ball, as depth is an additional issue. In man, his stiff hips struggle against single-break routes and are rendered useless against double moves. While he has good instincts, he finds himself lured into blocks and often attacks the hole too soon without looking to string the back along, allowing chunk plays at his expense.

Scheme Fit:

3-4, 4-3 ILB primarily in man or run responsibility.

Power Statement:

Jason is a dependable player who is intelligent and plays above his frame, he will be more effective as he grows into it. As he does need some improvement in coverage, he shows to be a promising prospect that has the ability to contribute early at the next level.