Jerome Johnson -Defensive Tackle –Indiana

Brendan Bolan: What are your measurements (Height, Weight, 40 time)?

Jerome Johnson: 6’2”, 295, and I don’t know my 40 time.

Brendan Bolan: How would you say your 2020 season went?

Jerome Johnson: As a team I think it went really well, and as an individual I also think I did well

Brendan Bolan: What does it mean to you to be voted first team All-Big 10?

Jerome Johnson: It was great. It was definitely an honor. It had not been done at Indiana by a defensive lineman in a while, so that was great. It was just a good feeling overall to see that the work you put in gets rewarded.

Brendan Bolan: What bowl games have you played in, and how do you think they went?

Jerome Johnson: I played in the one this year which was the Outback Bowl, Taxslayer Bowl (Gator bowl), and then the one my freshman year (Foster Farms Bowl). We didn’t come out with a win, but I think overall we did a good job and I had some success personally.

Brendan Bolan: What is a skill set you possess that you feel is underrated or goes unappreciated by scouts?

Jerome Johnson: I have an ability to be explosive and I have a good feel for the game.

Brendan Bolan: Where are you training for the NFL draft?

Jerome Johnson: Tess Sports in New Jersey.

Brendan Bolan: What position/ positions did you play in high school?

Jerome Johnson: I played only on the defensive line, I was a nose guard.

Brendan Bolan: Did you play any other sports in high school?

Jerome Johnson: I played some basketball and in track, I did the shot put for fun.

Brendan Bolan: Coming out of high school, what colleges were interested in you?

Jerome Johnson: A bunch of smaller schools. Indiana was my big time offer. It was kind of a last minute deal, maybe like a week and a half before signing day.

Brendan Bolan: How would you say your career went as a whole at Indiana?

Jerome Johnson: Started off slow, but I definitely got better each year. I had some success, so overall I think it was a good experience. It was a good time. I enjoyed it.

Brendan Bolan: What is the most challenging part of being a defensive tackle?

Jerome Johnson: Having to go up against double teams, against guys that are 320 and 330, but overall being able to compete at a high level and have the motor to do that for the time that you’re playing.

Brendan Bolan: What is the strongest aspect of your game?

Jerome Johnson: I’m an explosive player and I have good speed.

Brendan Bolan: What is a part of your game you are working on improving?

Jerome Johnson: My pass rush game, just getting better and being able to do so consistently.

Brendan Bolan: What was the highlight of your career?

Jerome Johnson: Getting the All-Big 10 first team. I was there five years, so I think it was just a special moment.

Brendan Bolan: Who is your favorite NFL team of all time?

Jerome Johnson: I wouldn’t say I have a favorite, but the one I watch frequently is the 49ers. I just like to watch them as a whole and apply it to my game.

Brendan Bolan: Is there an NFL defensive tackle you try and learn from through film?

Jerome Johnson: Somebody I watch a lot is Aaron Donald, obviously a beast. I think everybody tries to apply some aspect of his game to theirs.

Brendan Bolan: Who’s someone at Indiana we should keep an eye out for next year?

Jerome Johnson: Alfred Bryant (defensive end) and Demarcus Elliot (defensive tackle).

Brendan Bolan: Who is the toughest offensive line you had to play during your college career?

Jerome Johnson: Ohio State. They have good speed, are athletic, give a good look at what you would be looking at the next level.

Brendan Bolan: What do you think is the most important trait or skill set for a defensive tackle?

Jerome Johnson: Consistency, being able to play and perform at a high level.

Brendan Bolan: What do you love about playing football?

Jerome Johnson: Man, it’s fun. Being able to build relationships with the guys you’re playing with, have that family around you. Most of the time you don’t even get to see your own family, so just building those relationships and being able to have fun.

Brendan Bolan: Has there been any obstacles you have had to overcome in your career?

Jerome Johnson: No, fortunate for me I never had to overcome injuries. And I’ve always felt really comfortable here, so I didn’t have any issues.

Brendan Bolan: What do you love outside of football?

Jerome Johnson: I usually have a creative spirit. I draw, sing, and play piano, and things like that. And hanging out with my boys.

Brendan Bolan: What makes you a great teammate in your opinion?

Jerome Johnson: Somebody who communicates well. Build relationships with the guys around them. Focus on a team as a whole, not just individual success. If the team has success, then the individual success will come.

Brendan Bolan: What makes you unique?

Jerome Johnson: I would say my ability to run and read the game.

Brendan Bolan: Five words to describe you?

Jerome Johnson: Athletic, talented, driven, focused, and commutative.