The Husky Haul
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Will Miami-transfer DE D J Johnson follow yellow brick road to the Emerald City?

By Roman Tomashoff

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 04: Head coach Chris Petersen of the Washington Huskies looks on against the Oregon Ducks at Husky Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 04: Head coach Chris Petersen of the Washington Huskies looks on against the Oregon Ducks at Husky Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: Miami Hurricanes helmets sit on a case during the 2017 Capital One Orange Bowl game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: Miami Hurricanes helmets sit on a case during the 2017 Capital One Orange Bowl game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /

Weakside defensive end to strong interior

While Johnson is currently a weakside defensive end, his 6-foot-5 frame can certainly support more strength and bulk. And as the team had done so with defensive end turned tackle Josiah Bronson who transferred in from Temple, the Huskies strength and conditioning program is very skilled at adding muscle to players.

For Bronson, that translated into bulking up his 265 pound frame to 290 pounds in a year.  That is phenomenal work, and a true testamony to the training practice of the athlete and the strength and conditioning program.  It’s that conditioning which has to be attractive to the NFL-hopeful Johnson.

Positive trend

That, and defensive prowess on the national level over the last few seasons will be a huge selling point to Johnson. Finally, Johnson will certainly consider the fortunes of NFL defensive linemen Danny Shelton and Hau’oli Kikaha, former Washington players who earned a chance at the pros.

Next: Greg Gaines Announces Return for Senior Season

2018 is shaping up to be a big year for the Huskies, and Greg Gaines’ return is a great way to start. Adding Johnson would be a great second step to assuring the Washington Huskies defense remains feared in both the Pac-12 Football Conference, and in the NCAA overall.

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