Sterling Johnson is another former big-time recruit who struggled to get playing time but still managed to catch on with the Jets as an undrafted free agent.
He didn’t find his footing until he transferred to Coastal Carolina University, but few, if any, NFL scouts were coming around. A projected 3-4 defensive end at the next level, it’s hard to envision their being room on New York’s roster with its depth on the defensive line. However, Gang Green has found multiple diamonds in the rough through the undrafted free agent pipeline or later rounds of the draft at this position.
With the uncertainty surrounding Quinnen Williams’ legal situation, Johnson could play himself into a roster spot during training camp. With that said, here are four things to know about the undrafted free agent out of Coastal Carolina.
New Role, No Problem
In his second season at Coastal Carolina, Sterling Johnson embraced a new role at the nose tackle position in the team’s new 3-4 defensive scheme for the 2019 season.
Johnson started 11 games, recording 41 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, eight quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and a blocked field goal. He was subsequently honored with a 2019 All-Sun Belt third-team selection for his performance.
Team Captain
Before playing a single snap for his new team, Sterling Johnson was named a team captain. Johnson certainly embodies the leadership capabilities that Joe Douglas is looking for.
Just two weeks ago, the Jets loaded up on former college captains in Douglas’ first draft at the helm. Five of the Jets’ eight draft picks were team captains. It’s not a coincidence that New York made Johnson a priority in their undrafted free agency class.
Clemson Transfer
At Clemson, Sterling Johnson played sparingly even though he was a big-time recruit. Johnson was ranked the No. 14 defensive end in the nation and the No. 4 player in the state of North Carolina, according to ESPN’s rankings.
Johnson recorded just 14 tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks in 11 games with the Tigers. After graduating in three years and earning a degree in sports communication, he elected to transfer to Coastal Carolina, where he had two years of eligibility left.
National Champion
Although he was a minuscule part of the effort, Sterling Johnson won a National Championship during his time at Clemson.
Granted, Johnson was a redshirt freshman who sat out his first season. Still, he added four tackles in just three games during Clemson’s championship season. He did not play in the game, but he has the hardware and a bit of a winning pedigree.
