Johnson attended Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C., U.S. He played both wide receiver and defensive back. As a senior, he caught 22 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns. He was named to the second-team all-conference at wide receiver. He was also a standout basketball player, earning all-conference honors.
Considered only a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, he was rated as the No. 40 safety prospect in the nation.[2] He accepted a scholarship to Virginia over other offers from Georgia, Duke, Miami, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, and Maryland.
College career
As a freshman in 2008, he played in 6 games, mostly as a reserve linebacker and on special teams. He recorded 7 total tackles, including 2 tackles for loss. In 2009, he played in all 12 games for the Cavaliers, starting in 10 of them as an outside linebacker. He recorded 40 tackles including 5 tackles for loss and 2 sacks. In 2010, the Cavaliers defense switched their scheme from a 3–4 to a 4–3, allowing Johnson to move from outside linebacker to defensive end. As a junior in 2010, he started in 12 games, and recorded his best statistical season of his career. He recorded 53 total tackles, including 14.5 for loss and 6.5 sacks, he also recovered two fumbles. In 2011, his final season, his performance dropped off due to several nagging injuries, but still managed to start in all 12 games. He recorded 30 total tackles, including 11 tackles for loss and 4 sacks, he also forced two fumbles, one of which was recovered.
Johnson was acquired by the Indianapolis Colts via trade with the 49ers in exchange for a conditional draft pick on September 2, 2013. On September 5, 2015, Johnson was waived by the Colts.
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