Lonnie Johnson Jr., CB, Kentucky #6
6016, 211, 4.61
Notes: From Gary, IN. Nickname is “Lotto.” Grew up in a rough neighborhood where gun violence was commonplace, and lost multiple people close to him as a result. Originally recruited by Ohio State, but a spelling error on his last name on an ACT test derailed going to the Buckeyes. He was then set to enroll at Western Michigan but the school wouldn’t accept him either. Initially he went to San Bernardino Valley College in California. He then committed to Iowa State but failed to qualify academically once again. Then moved closer to home and family at Garden City Community College (KS) where he redshirted and focused on the academics in 2014. On the field, he notched 35 tackles and 5 INT in 2015. From there he had offers from Georgia and Kentucky and committed to UK in December 2016. He played in all 13 games, starting the final 5, in 2017, totaling 41 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 5 PBU and 2 blocked kicks.
Positives: Long and athletic. Very good size. Physically and mentally tough. Plays with passion. Can play physical and jam receivers at the line of scrimmage. Matches up well with bigger receivers. Aggressive playing the ball. Hard hitter. Comes up fast on run support and is a strong, physical tackler. Football is important to him. Has the physical traits to merit a look at cornerback, but could also be developed as a safety. Contributes on special teams.
Negatives: Needs a lot of technique and fundamental development. Still fairly raw.
Summary: Will need sound, patient coaching, but has really nice size and upside potential.
