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by Chad Vignes
LSU Sports Information
Versatile is defined as “capable of doing many things competently.”
Perhaps there is no one more versatile on the LSU defensive line than fifth-year senior Tremaine Johnson.
Although he is listed as a defensive end, the 6-2, 282-pound Johnson has lined up at nose tackle, right and left defensive end and in the “three” technique, which is LSU language for defensive tackle. These credentials make Johnson a perfect fit in the Tigers’ “Express” package, along with ends Tyson Jackson, Rahim Alem and Kirston Pittman, a lineup that accounted for all six sacks in a 24-17 victory last month at South Carolina.
Trailing 17-10 late in the third quarter, Johnson evaded a diving Gamecock blocker and dropped quarterback Stephen Garcia for a six-yard loss, setting up a third-and-fifteen from the Gamecock’s five yard line. After a punt two plays later, LSU put together the game-tying drive, culminating in a seven- yard touchdown pass from Andrew Hatch to Richard Dickson.
“That … was just a great personal effort,” LSU head coach Les Miles told reporters after the game.
Johnson’s effort began long before he got to LSU at Galena Park (Texas) High School, where being versatile wasn’t an option.
“My high school coach was really big on being versatile and preached that you had to be an athlete to play. You had to be able to play both sides of the line,” Johnson said. “At first for me it was tough, but the more I got used to it, the more it started to click and I’ve been able to carry that over to LSU.”
Since arriving at LSU in 2004, Johnson has been in several defensive schemes, but his versatility once again allowed a smooth transition each time.
“Being here a semester with (former LSU) Coach(Nick) Saban really helped me out a lot. When he left and Coach Miles and his staff took over, it wasn’t a huge adjustment,” Johnson said.
During Miles’ first season in 2005, the redshirt freshman Johnson appeared in nine games, racking up a sack, two tackles for loss and seven quarterback hurries.
Johnson’s role slowed in the next two seasons, as he contributed one sack and 13 tackles in 23 game appearances. Perhaps the solid performances of Jackson, Alem, Ricky Jean-Francois and a healthy Pittman limited Johnson’s snaps. Whatever the case, Johnson never lost patience or his work ethic, as he remained fierce and determined to contribute for the Tigers.
“I knew it would be tough coming in here and competing for a spot,” Johnson said. “Sometimes you’ve got to wait your turn, you just can’t stop working. You have to be ready when it’s your time.”
Johnson’s time finally came this spring. A tremendous offseason prompted coaches to name him the most improved athlete after spring practice.
“The coaches worked with me a lot this spring and said I really improved with my hands and my quickness and I could definitely see the difference coming into this season,” Johnson admitted.
Johnson saw the difference in his first career start Aug. 30 against Appalachian State and he didn’t disappoint, notching three tackles and two pass breakups. Coach Miles presented the defensive player of the game award to Johnson for his effort.
“I was getting off the ball well and I was able to anticipate where the plays were going and put myself in a good position to make some plays for my team,” Johnson said.
Since the win over Appalachian State, Johnson has appeared in every contest and has lined up at every position on the defensive line, including a start at right defensive end against North Texas.
The quiet contributor, who is often overshadowed by some of the other big names on defense, actually has a very vocal role on the practice field, another place where his versatility is showcased.
“At practice it’s important to get with the younger guys and help them out and make sure they’re doing what they need to do to get better, whether it’s playing both ends or inside or whatever,” Johnson said. “It’s important to mentor to those guys so we can pass the tradition down to them.”
A tradition that has produced several NFL defensive linemen over the last few seasons, including All-Americans Marcus Spears, Kyle Williams and Glenn Dorsey, has given LSU the nickname, “D-line U.”
So while his effort and versatility have contributed to the Tigers’ success on the field, Johnson understands that being “capable of doing many things competently,” leads to personal success off the field.
“As a player here at LSU you have a lot of responsibilities and the coaches and everyone involved with the program expect you to fulfill those responsibilities,” Johnson said. “That’s how LSU prepares you to be a better person and a better adult.”