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With the 16th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans selected cornerback Kevin Johnson out of Wake Forest. He was the 2nd corner taken overall. With that selection, Kevin became the highest draft selection to come out of Wake Forest since Aaron Curry went 4th overall in 2009.
During his Wake Forest career, Kevin Johnson finished his career with 40 career starts, 35 pass break ups, 7 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 190 tackles, and 8 tackles for loss. At the NFL Combine, KJ was elite among defensive backs in the vertical jump, broad jump, three-cone drill, and 20-yard short shuttle.
Wake Forest head coach Dave Clawson told the Charlotte Observer, "He's a tall corner who can run. He's rangy and he can play press. He has the quickest hips of anybody I've ever seen. An NFL team is going to get a guy who loves football, works at it, and is a really gifted player. He's long, he has range, he can run, he's got ball skills. And he's just a really good football player and a good human being."
The Wake Forest football staff designed their entire defense last season around cornerbacks Kevin Johnson and Bud Noel. Because of Johnson's ability to shut down opposing receivers. He allowed just one touchdown all season. Going against Andrew Luck twice per season will be a difficult task, but KJ should be an excellent addition to the Texans' secondary. To balance it out, he gets to go against the Titans and Jaguars a total of four times per season.
Wake Forest fans will be able to watch Kevin Johnson when the Texans play at the Carolina Panthers on September 20th.
Congratulations to Kevin for achieving his childhood dream of playing in the NFL.
