Michael Johnson (defensive end)

Michael D. Johnson (born February 7, 1987 in Selma, Alabama) is a professional American football defensive end for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted in the 3rd round (70th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Bengals. He played college football at Georgia Tech.

Early years
Johnson played at Dallas County High School where he was a tight end. He caught 42 passes for 650 yards and six touchdowns as a senior while making 92 tackles and 14 sacks. He had 25 receptions for 300 yards and three touchdowns as a junior. He was also an outstanding basketball player, who averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds as a junior.

College career
As a senior at Georgia Tech, Johnson, in 2008, ended the regular season with Recorded 46 tackles (28 solos) as he led the team and finished third in the conference with nine sacks and 17.5 stops for losses and two forced fumbles. He was voted as an AFCA coaches First-team All-American with the likes of Brian Orakpo and Terrance Cody. He also garnered first team All-ACC honors as well as numerous other accolades.

In 2007 Johnson was played in 13 games and started one. He had 21 tackle (11 solo) and six went for losses. He had four sacks and forced three fumbles and recovered one. He also blocked two kicks. The previous season, 2006, he played in and started all 12 games and had 34 tackles (25 solo) and six were for a loss. He recorded five sacks and forced three fumbles and broke up two passes. In 2005, as a true freshman, he played in 11 games and had 5 solo tackles and one assisted for a total of six tackles, one going for a loss. He also recorded one sack and forced one fumble.

Cincinnati Bengals
Johnson was not selected in the 1st round of the 2009 NFL Draft where many analysts predicted he would go, instead falling into the 3rd round and being picked up by the Bengals. During an interview, Johnson was mentioned by head coach Marvin Lewis as maybe being "one of the best pass rushers he has ever worked with." Before the 2010 season, the Bengals announced that Johnson would be moved to outside linebacker.