As we continue our Roster Review series with No. 72, let’s take a look at junior Netori Johnson.
It’s been a hard-fought three years for the former Cedar Grove star, whose Bulldog career was slowed by diabetes until finally getting the condition under control.
By the time he got healthy, Johnson struggled to find his footing, ultimately asking head coach Kirby Smart back in October of 2018 if he could switch to the defensive line.
“Yeah, I asked for it; he (Smart) didn’t want to do it on his own,” Johnson said when the move was made. “He said he had thought about it, but never did, so I made the decision to do it.”
There have been no regrets.
Although questions of depth on the offensive line for the Sugar Bowl resulted in Johnson returning to his original position for the game against Baylor, we understand he’ll be back on the defensive side once practice for the upcoming season resumes
Netori Johnson
2019 Review
Johnson saw action in four of Georgia’s 14 games last fall.
Although he didn’t play quite as much as hoped, when he did Johnson showed he’s got the ability to make some plays.
A big tackle on fourth down against Murray State resulted in a four-yard loss before saving his best for last in the regular-season finale against Georgia Tech.
In that game, Johnson accounted for two tackles, including a sack that resulted in a 12-yard loss by the Yellow Jackets.
2020 Preview
Despite his limited playing time, coaches still love Johnson’s potential.
He’s got pretty good feet and has shown some explosiveness off the ball, two must-haves for playing the defensive line.
At this time, Johnson seems to be projected for nose, where he’s expected to battle the likes of Tymon Mitchell for backup work behind starter Jordan Davis.
Although there's still much Johnson has to learn and become more consistent, he's got the athletic ability to perhaps make a bigger impact than some think.
He can also work at offensive guard if needed.
Other Bulldogs who wore No. 72
Daniel Inman, Kenarious Gates
