The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/157974
Second Time Around Senior Cornerback Dontae Johnson Will Provide Veteran Leadership To The Pack's New-Look Secondary T By Ryan Tice his year's NC State secondary will look drastically different than the 2012 edition that featured four players now battling for roster spots in NFL training camps. The lone returning starter from the back line is senior cornerback Dontae Johnson. The 6-2, 195-pounder began his career at safety before he settled in as the team's nickel back during his sophomore campaign. Last year, he became a full-time cornerback for the first time in his career and finished with 80 tackles, including 4.5 for loss and one sack, and four passes broken up while starting every game. "He's a senior, he has game experience and he's a leader for the whole group," cornerbacks coach Richard McNutt said. "He's another coach on the field and he helps us out tremendously. He provides confidence and experience to the unit. "He has all the intangibles — the height, weight and speed. He's a technician and he has a very high football IQ, which allows him to make plays that a lot of other guys can't. He can play man and zone coverage; he's going to be a great one." This year, Johnson will serve as the top cover man on the squad, while leading the revamped secondary during the team's transition to head coach Dave Doeren. He is also an irreplaceable part of the senior class, along with projected free safety starter Jarvis Byrd. The head coach noted that the senior group "has a look in their eye that you like to see. They know they're out of time and they've got to get it done now." As the most experienced member of the Wolfpack's defensive backfield, Johnson is ready for the challenge of covering the opposing team's No. 1 receiver every game. photo by ken martin September 2013 ■ 27 26-28.Dontae Johnson.indd 27 8/23/13 2:50 PM