Griz cornerback Trumaine Johnson a third-round NFL draft pick in 2012
4/27/2012 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 27, 2012
The University of Montana's Trumaine Johnson has been drafted in the third round of the 2012 National Football League draft today (Friday, April 27) by the St. Louis Rams.
Johnson was the 65th player (the second pick in the third round) selected in the NFL draft, which began yesterday (April 26) with the first-round picks. The Rams new head coach is former Tennessee Titans mentor Jeff Fisher.
Johnson is the highest Griz draft pick ever at defensive back position, and by going in the third round it makes him the third highest selection of a UM player. Montana's highest two NFL draft selections were a pair of offensive linemen, Scott Gragg (second round, New York Giants, 1995) and Steve Okoniewski (second round, Atlanta Falcons, 1972).
Johnson, a 6-3, 197-pound cornerback from Stockton, Calif., was one of the most talented cornerbacks to ever play at Montana. A rare four-year starter for the Grizzlies, he played in 47 career games and started in 46 of them. During his four seasons as a starter for the Grizzlies they had an overall record of 46-10.
He set a school record with 35 career pass deflections, while his 15 career interceptions rank him third in school history. He garnered 173 career tackles, 103 of which were unassisted.
He had another stellar season in 2011 as a senior, and was named a first team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association, Associated Press, The College Sporting News, and Walter Camp. He was named first team All-Big Sky Conference for the third year in a row following his senior campaign. He was chosen a second team All-American by The Sports Network and Phil Steele after his senior season.
Johnson was the sixth leading tackler for the 11-3 Grizzlies in 2011 with 54 stops, and he had a team-high 12 pass deflections. He was also a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award (FCS defensive player of the year) both his senior and junior years.
Following his junior season he was tabbed a first team All-American by every FCS entity, and was a first team All-Big Sky pick. He was the co-recipient of the Terry Dillon Award (Outstanding Back or Receiver) and a junior, and led UM with four interceptions, two which he returned for touchdowns
As a sophomore he had team-highs with five interceptions and 12 pass deflections in 11 games (he missed four contests due to injury).
He was a Big Sky honorable mention selection as a true freshman, and tied for the team lead with four picks.
As a senior quarterback at Edison High School in he passed for 1,800 yards, rushed for 500, and scored 22 total touchdowns, and was named first team all-league on offense and defense. He was voted to his high school's football "Hall of Fame" at defensive back.
Johnson's Year-by-Year and Career Stats
Year-G/S=UT-AT-TT-Sacks-TFL-Int.-PB-FR-FF-Blk
2008-11/11=13-8-21-0-0-4-4-0-0-0
2009-11/11=31-23-54-2 (-6)-5 (-13)-5-12-0-0-0
2010-11/11=24-20-44-0.5 (-6)-3.5 (-10)-4-7-0-0-0
2011-14/13=35-19-54-1 (-3)-6 (-14)-2-12-0-1-0
TOTAL-47/46=103-70-173-3.5 (-15)-14(-37)-15-35-0-1-0
EDITOR'S NOTE: Johnson was with his family in Stockton, Calif., today for the NFL draft and unavailable for comment. We hope to track him down in the next few days and get his thoughts on his future in the NFL.
