A non-traditional recruit born in Germany, inside linebacker Jakob Johnson committed to Tennessee on November 24th, just two days after taking an official visit to Knoxville. Vol linebacker coach Tommy Thigpen served as his primary recruiter.

Johnson is a bright student with a 27 ACT score who graduated high school a semester early. He is an early enrollee who will go through UT’s offseason strength and conditioning program and participate in spring practice.

Johnson could have stayed in Germany and played in the German Football League, but he wanted to get a shot at playing college football in America. That desire led him to move to Florida where he played one year of high school football for Anthony Flynn at Jean Ribault High School.

“When I actually see him on the football field, he looks like a warrior, the top of his head, his chest, he looks like a warrior. His relationship with everybody, he’s just a very pleasant kid. He’s the captain of the defense, just a well-rounded guy,” Flynn said.

It’s been a bit of a whirlwind for Johnson, who never expected to be a big-time prospect. “I figured I’d probably [be offered] in Division II, maybe FCS, but not from FBS schools,” Johnson said.

Though he has limited experience playing against quality competition, he’ll have a chance to compete for playing time when spring practice kicks off on March 7th. The Vols need depth at linebacker and defensive end—two positions Johnson is suited to play. His ability to pick up all the intricacies of the college game will determine how quickly he sees significant snaps.

The Basics: Rated as a 4-star prospect by 247Sports and a 3-star prospect by Scout, Rivals, and ESPN, Jakob Johnson is a 6-4, 240 pound inside linebacker from Jacksonville, Florida (Jean Ribault HS). In his lone season of high school football, he recorded 112 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and six sacks. He chose the Vols over UCF, Wisconsin, Tulane, and Idaho.

Scouting Reports: “Tall with good bulk at this stage and lengthy frame that looks like it can still support more good mass with time in a college weight program. Displays solid playing strength with room to improve as he continues to physically develop…When in position he displays he can wrap up, deliver a pop and finish. Not a sideline-to-sideline player, but gives good effort with solid speed for size and flashes he can utilize good angles…Johnson is a solid prospect with some upside. We don’t see an immediate contributor as he continues to develop and his better long term fit could be with his hand on the ground at DE.” – ESPN.com

“Given his size and athleticism, the way he moves around and his instincts, it would not be a surprise at all to see him on the field in year one…He has that athleticism and ability to get in there and compete. He could certainly step on the field his first year in Knoxville.” –  JC Shurburtt

Highlights: