Georgia Tech defensive back Kenan Johnson (10) battles to make a play during game against Louisville, Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, in Atlanta. The former Yellow Jacket transferred to Utah in the offseason. | Mike Stewart, Associated Press
During a practice this week, new Utah cornerback Kenan Johnson broke on the ball, leaped in the air and, with his body nearly horizontal, intercepted a pass on the goal line.
It drew the biggest cheer of the session from his teammates, and the defense mobbed the Georgia Tech transfer as he ran to the sidelines.
“I feel like him throwing me in the fire, he had trust in me. I got trust in myself, so I felt like it was the right decision.”
Utah cornerback Kenan Johnson
Plays like that have impressed Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who said this week that if Utah played today, Johnson would be starting at cornerback.
“He’s made plays from day one. He was a great addition to our football team and has really helped solidify that secondary,” Whittingham said.
Knowing that Miles Battle and JaTravis Broughton were on the way out of the program — Battle to the NFL draft and Broughton to TCU — Whittingham and company made moves to snag Johnson from the transfer portal. While the Utes do have some promising young cornerbacks — Elijah Davis and Michigan transfer freshman Cameron Calhoun have each made impressive plays during practice — bringing in a veteran player like Johnson was vital.
Last season at Georgia Tech, Johnson played in 11 games, starting eight, and finished as one of the highest-rated defensive players for the Yellow Jackets, according to Pro Football Focus. He totaled 29 tackles, two forced fumbles, four pass deflections and had an interception.
Born in Florida and attending Georgia Tech for the past four years, Johnson didn’t follow Utah football, but when the time came to…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/incredible-intelligence-georgia-tech-transfer-210218778.html
Author : Deseret News
Publish date : 2024-03-29 21:02:18
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