Johnson honored by National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Senior Thomas Johnson was the recipient of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete award at a banquet in Nashville Saturday night. Johnson was one of seven college players honored from the middle Tennessee region.

The award is based on academic accomplishments and success on the football field.

Johnson joins last year's winner Joey Montalbano as the only Blue Raiders to win the award.

Johnson, who earned his degree before playing his senior season, started in 10 of 11 games last year and totaled 47 tackles, four sacks, and a team-high 8.5 tackles for loss.

The Memphis, Tenn., native ended his career with 113 total stops, 10 sacks, 18.5 tackles for loss, and four fumble recoveries. Johnson played in a total of 42 games during his Blue Raider career and started 26 times.

"Thomas has been a natural leader for our program and a kid who has come a long way since coming to campus," Head Coach Andy McCollum said. "This is a kid who graduated in four years and made a major impact on our program. He is very deserving of this honor."

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