Among the countrys most fertile prep football recruiting high schools is Bradenton (Fla.) IMG. The IMG program is a should pick up college recruiters every year. And the Buckeyes definitely do lots of recruiting work each cycle at IMG.
When they next drop in Florida at IMG they will see a really familiar face. Previous Buckeye terrific, linebacker Pepper Johnson, has actually been called the brand-new protective coordinator at IMG. The main announcement was made by IMG head coach Bobby Acosta who posted the news on his Twitter account.
“We are so ecstatic to have Pepper Johnson join the Brotherhood as our New Defensive Coordinator,” Acosta published on his Twitter account this afternoon.
Johnson changes Brett Maxie who left IMG this winter season to sign up with the Colorado Buffalos training staff.
The Buckeyes have efficiently hired the talent-rich IMG program including signing cornerback Lejond Cavazos for the Ohio State 2020 hiring class and landing a dedication from protective end Tunmise Adeleye for their 2021 class.
Johnson played his high school football at Detroit (Mich.) McKenzie prior to heading to Ohio State to play his college football for Earle Bruce. Johnson lettered every year for the Buckeyes from 1982 through 1985. Johnson led the Buckeyes in tackles in 1984 and 1985. He was a group co-captain and called defensive MVP by his teammates in 1984 and 1985. Johnson was named as an All-American in 1985.
Johnson then played in the NFL for the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions and New York Jets. He had a fantastic playing career at the professional level that consisted of being called All-Pro, Pro Bowl appearances, and becoming a two-time Super Bowl champ.
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Johnson also had an excellent coaching profession in the NFL. He began as an assistant linebackers coach for Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots throughout the 2000 season. Johnson then worked as the Patriots inside linebackers coach from 2001 through 2003, before moving to defensive line coach in 2004. In all, he coached for the Patriots from 2001 through 2013.
Johnson also was the protective line coach for the Buffalo Bills in 2014 and protective line coach for the New York Jets in 2015 and 2016. He likewise coached for the Memphis Express in 2019 and the Los Angeles Wildcats in 2020.
Johnson was a three-time Super Bowl champ as a coach.
At IMG Johnson will have the chance to work with Adeleye this season. Adeleye committed to the Buckeyes in March and told Bucknuts on Sunday that he is 100% committed to Ohio State. But Texas A&M, Alabama and Florida continue to hire Adeleye tough and plan to do so all the method through National Signing Day.
One of the countrys most fertile prep football hiring high schools is Bradenton (Fla.) IMG. The IMG program is a need to stop for college employers every year. And the Buckeyes certainly do plenty of recruiting work each cycle at IMG.
Former Buckeye terrific, linebacker Pepper Johnson, has been named the brand-new protective organizer at IMG. The official announcement was made by IMG head coach Bobby Acosta who posted the news on his Twitter account.
