Kevin Johnson Drafted 16th Overall by Houston Texans
4/30/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@WakeFB)
CHICAGO - Wake Forest cornerback Kevin Johnson became the fifth Demon Deacon to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night when he was the 16th player taken overall by the Houston Texans.
Johnson, a 6-0, 188-pound corner back from Clarksville, Md. (River Hill HS), started 41 consecutive games during his career and finished with 191 tackles and seven interceptions. His 35 career pass break-ups are the fourth-highest total in school history. Johnson was a second team All-ACC selection in 2014 by the ACC coaches and was invited to the Senior Bowl following his senior season.
Aaron Curry was the last Wake Forest alum to be taken in the first round, going with the fourth pick overall to the Seattle Seahawks in 2009. Other Demon Deacons to go in the first round include QB Norm Snead (2nd player overall) to Washington in 1961; Elmer Barbour (10th player overall) to the NY Giants in 1945 and Calvin Pace (18th player overall) to the Arizona Cardinals in 2003.
"We are very happy for Kevin and his family," said head coach Dave Clawson. "Kevin has put in a great deal of hard work while at Wake Forest and he and the coaching staff and our strength and conditioning staff have worked together to help Kevin achieve all his goals. He earned his degree in December and now he will have achieved another goal of playing in the NFL."
Prior to Johnson's selection, Wake Forest had six cornerbacks taken in the NFL Draft including Brandon Ghee by Cincinnati in 2010, Alphonso Smith (Denver) in 2009, Eric King (Buffalo) in 2005, Reggie Austin (Chicago) in 2000, A.J. Greene (NY Giants) in 1989 and Ronnie Burgess (Green Bay) in 1985. In addition, former Wake Forest quarterback Freddie Summers was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round in 1969 as a defensive back.
