Vols LB AJ Johnson To Return For Senior Season

Nov 24, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers player A.J. Johnson (45) scores a touchdown against the Kentucky Wildcats during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Perhaps not happy with the word he received about his draft stock, Vols linebacker AJ Johnson will return to Tennessee for his senior season, according a tweet from Vols head coach Butch Jones.

Johnson led the Vols in tackles this past season with 106 tackles. It was the second straight season that Johnson had led Tennessee in tackles. Johnson is now third in career assisted tackles at Tennessee with 181.

Prior to Johnson’s junior season he was considered by some draft scouts as a possible first round pick, but I was told by one scout after the season that he now viewed Johnson as a day three selection.

Regardless of Jonson’s draft stock, his return will be huge for the Vols. Tennessee will be a young team yet again next season and the return of Johnson will only help to bolster the Vol defense.

Johnson was named to the AP and Coaches All-SEC First team this past season.

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