Jaylon Johnson Limits Oregon State Star Wide Receiver
Oct 13, 2019, 4:44 PM | Updated: Oct 14, 2019, 9:59 am
Utah Utes defensive back Jaylon Johnson (1) nearly intercepts a pass during the game against the Washington State Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)
(Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley and running back Zack Moss have been highlighted for the Utes’ offensive success, while the defense as a whole has been the discussion surrounding Utah’s blow-out 52-7 win over Oregon State. One player on the defense that stood out was star cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
Entering the Pac-12 matchup on Saturday, Utah’s focus was limiting Beavers star wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins. In the Utes victory, Johnson did just that.
Through the first five games of the season, Hodgins led the Pac-12 in receptions (43), yards (482) and touchdowns (9).
In the loss for Oregon State, Hodgins finished with 8 receptions for 77 yards. He was targeted by quarterback Jake Luton 17 times. It was his lowest amount of receiving yards in a game this season and the first time that he played in a game and didn’t get a receiving touchdown.
Textbook from Jaylon Johnson! 🙌#goutes #UTAHvsOSU pic.twitter.com/u5wNfm2hU7
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) October 13, 2019
“I just wanted to take away the big plays,” Johnson told the Pac-12 Network after the win. “They are known for double moves and big plays, scoring touchdowns and I wanted to limit that as much as I can.”
.@NBAxJay1 had a tough task guarding one of #Pac12FB’s best tonight and he showed up. 🔒@Utah_Football | #UTAHvsOSU pic.twitter.com/OJ9hlf3CER
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) October 13, 2019
Johnson led the Utes with 8 tackles, including 7 solo takedowns and one for a loss. He also had two pass deflections.
The junior from Fresno, California is considered one of the best cornerbacks in the country. He is eligible to skip his senior year and enter his name in the upcoming NFL Draft. Johnson has been projected as a first or second round pick.
The Utes will host the Arizona State Sun Devils on Saturday at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The game will kickoff at 4 p.m. and be televised on the Pac-12 Network.
