Best Texas football players: Modern-era Mount Rushmore

BERKELEY, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Former player Ricky Williams of the Texas Longhorns stands on the sideline before a game against the California Golden Bears on September 17, 2016 at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California. Cal won 50-43. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Derrick Johnson

Derrick Johnson’s career at Texas was one of the best linebacking careers of that era. Not only was he a three-time All-Big 12 player, two-time All American, Butkus Award and Nagurski Trophy winner in 2004, but he was the top defender on that 2005 team that snuck in the Rose Bowl and won.

The Waco native is a Texas boy living Texas dreams. The players who make it big in the Lonestar State make it a point to dominate as a Longhorn. Johnson not only dominated, but he was one of the best to ever wear the uniform.

Just look at Johnson’s senior stats. He had 130 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, an interception and a ridiculous nine forced fumbles, tied for the NCAA single-season record. That’s not even the most impressive.

What he did when the lights were shining brightest was even more impressive. Against top-25 opponents, Johnson had 175 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 31 tackles for loss, 19 pressures, four interceptions, nine pass breakups, three caused fumbles all in 18 games.

Johnson was the most dominant Texas defensive player of the modern era. Players like Brian Orakpo and Bryant Westbrook had their moments, but Johnson was so good it was unfair to the other team, especially running backs. The fact he could hold his own in coverage was just a bonus, and for Johnson, it was a really good bonus.

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