Johnson Lives Out His Dream in High Fashion

By Christian Summers
Lincoln -- To play football for the University of Nebraska has always been a dream for Lincoln native Trevor Johnson. As a standout athlete at Lincoln Northeast High School, Johnson was recruited by several Division I schools, but only wanted to play for the team he has been supporting his whole life.

"I have always been a Nebraska fan," Johnson said. "I had no desire to play for any school other than Nebraska."

After redshirting in his first year, Johnson entered the fall campaign listed fourth on the depth chart at tight end behind junior Tracey Wistrom and sophomores Aaron Golliday and Jon Bowling in 2000. As a redshirt freshman, Johnson appeared in 10 games and saw action on NU’s kickoff return teams but did not have any receptions.

"My freshman year, I saw some playing time, so I was happy," Johnson said. "But at the same time, the road ahead looked difficult because the guys in front of me were just a year older."

Coach Frank Solich decided to experiment with Johnson at defensive end during spring football before the 2001 season.

"Coach Solich brought the idea up to me and thought that I would fit the position really well," Johnson said. "I ended up having a pretty good spring camp, and the coaches decided to keep me at defensive end."

With the opportunity to play on defense, Johnson had a new goal to drive him ? becoming a Blackshirt.

"That’s one of the biggest reasons why I was excited to switch over to the defense," Johnson said. "My biggest idols growing up were guys like Trev Alberts, Grant Wistrom and Jared Tomich. I really looked up to them."

In Johnson’s first season as a defensive end, he played in all 12 games, primarily on special teams as a member of the kickoff return team. Johnson posted nine tackles, including three solo stops and two tackles for losses.

"That first year was hard because I was learning on the job," Johnson said. "I didn’t get to play as much, but I was getting better each time I was out there."

As a junior, Johnson began the season No. 2 on the depth chart and earned the black jersey that has been worn by Husker legends before him.

"Earning a Blackshirt is special for me," Johnson said. "It’s hard to explain but it’s such an honor. I understand the whole message and meaning behind the Blackshirts."

Six games into the 2002 season, Johnson took over the starting right rush end position. Johnson finished the year with 54 tackles (10th on the team) and 11 tackles for losses. Despite the success that Johnson had, NU finished the 2002 campaign with a 7-7 record.

"Last season was extremely difficult," Johnson said. "There were some good things but with every loss a piece of you seemed to die."

To assure that last season would not be repeated, Johnson rededicated himself to the game. He worked harder in the off- season in the weight room. For Johnson’s dedication, he was named Nebraska’s 2003 Lifter of the Year. Before the season, he was also recognized when he became the first Lincoln native since 1994 (Rob Zatechka) and just the second since 1980 to be voted a team captain.

"It’s an honor to be voted team captain," Johnson said. "It’s a great feeling knowing that my teammates trust me as their captain and leader."

This season Johnson has recorded 54 tackles, including seven tackles for loss and two quarterback sacks, through 10 games. Against Iowa State, he recorded a career-high 12 tackles.

Johnson has also excelled in the classroom. He is a three-time academic All-Big 12 selection and carries a 3.422 grade-point average in finance. He is on track to earn his bachelor’s degree next month.

"If you would define what a student-athlete should be, Trevor is the perfect definition," defensive line coach Jeff Jamrog said. "He has done an excellent job of succeeding on the football field as well as in the classroom."

As Johnson enters the final games of his career, he is thankful for his time at Nebraska.

"Over the past five years, I have been through the hardest and best times of my life," Johnson said. "The experiences that I have gone through are ones that I will take with me for the rest of my life.

"The relationships that I have made, the opportunities I have had and the ability to perform in front of family and friends and the greatest fans in college football are very special to me."