Buddy Johnson Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week
COLLEGE STATION - When Texas A&M lost Otaro Alaka and Tyrel Dodson to the NFL, they knew they'd need a replacement up the middle. Buddy Johnson seemed to be a perfect fit following a productive sophomore campaign.
Entering Week 9 of the College Football season and Johnson has become the face for the Aggie defense. On Saturday against Ole Miss, the junior from Dallas shined in Oxford, making a critical play to help A&M seal the victory.
Johnson was named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week after the Aggies thrilling 24-17 victory at Ole Miss, the league announced Monday morning. The linebacker tallied 10 total tackles, leading the team in total hits. It would be the second time this season that Johnson finished with double-digit tackles in a game.
But it was his play in the third quarter that sealed him the honors. Johnson recovered a fumble in the third quarter and returned it 62 yards for A&M’s first non-offensive touchdown of the season. The fumble return was the longest by an Aggie since Jonté Buhl’s 98-yard scamper on November 26, 2004 against Texas. Johnson’s fumble return touchdown was A&M’s first since the UAB game in 2018 and the second-longest play of the 2019 season.
Commanding respect up the middle in Mike Elko's defense, few have impressed as much as Johnson. For the season, he currently leads the team with 48 tackles, one sack and one pass deflection.
The Aggies return to Kyle Field to face Mississippi State on Saturday, October 26. Kickoff will begin at 11 A.M. and will be televised on SEC Network.
