Nico Johnson

Nico Johnson (born June 19, 1990) is an American football linebacker. He currently attends the University of Alabama in his senior year. Johnson is one of two members of the Alabama football team (along with Barrett Jones) to start in their National Championship victories in 2009, 2011 and 2012.

High school career
Johnson attended Andalusia High School in Alabama, where he recorded 78 tackles, 32 assists, one fumble recovery, one blocked punt and 11 interceptions during his senior season. As a junior, he made 80 tackles and blocked one field goal attempt.

Johnson received ASWA first team All-State honors three consecutive times and was named to the Orlando Sentinel′s All-Southern Team (AL) and the Press Register′s Super Southeast 120 (#12). He also earned All-American honors by Parade, was a finalist for the High School Butkus Award, and was selected U.S. Army All-American Bowl, where he led the West squad with four solo tackles, including two tackles for loss.

Considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Johnson was ranked as the No. 2 outside linebacker prospect. He has made numerous visits to Alabama and said one of the reasons he chose the Crimson Tide over finalists Oregon, Florida, Louisiana State and Southern California was to be near his mother, who suffered from diabetes.

College career
In May 2009, Johnson was accused of "a verbal, non-physical altercation with another male," filed by a relative of a fellow Andalusia High School student (considered a minor). He was acquitted of the charge three weeks later.

In his true freshman season in 2009, Johnson started as a backup, but soon had to step in for the injured Dont'a Hightower. He played in 12 games as a true freshman and made two starts at weak-side inside linebacker ("Will") next to Rolando McClain. He earned freshman All-SEC selection by the league coaches and Sporting News after the 2009 season.

College career statistics

 * Correct as of completion of 2012 regular season.