By Mathew McLarnon, UF Communications

 

It may have been a somber day in The Gator Nation, but Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, was a beginning of sorts for University of Florida offensive lineman Carl Johnson. In the now infamous Ole Miss game, starter Jim Tartt and backup Marcus Gilbert fell prey to injuries and head coach Urban Meyer looked at the Durham, N.C., native to line up shoulder-to-shoulder with Mike Pouncey as left guard in the fourth quarter.

 

Although the final result of that game is etched into the minds of both Gator fans and players as a 31-30 defeat to the Rebels, it was an opportunity for Johnson to show Coach Meyer what he was made of. 

 

“I was just waiting for a chance. I had the opportunity so I grabbed the bull by the horns and never let it go.” 

 

Following that game, Johnson started eight of the next 10 contests at left guard, including the SEC Championship and the BCS National Championship victories for the Orange and Blue. These performances paved the way for Johnson to be named to the pre-season second-team All-SEC offensive line by the league’s coaches earlier this year. This season has been equally successful for Johnson. He’s been a fixture on the offensive line by starting all 10 of the Gators’ contests this fall, although he is now back to his original role at left tackle.

 

Johnson has been noted for his versatility during his 35 games so far as a Gator. Though most well-known for starting at the left tackle and guard positions, he has also spent time on the right side of the line as well as center, relieving former Gator Drew Miller in three games.

 

When asked about his versatility, he pointed out that he played left guard and tackle, as well as center, at Southern High School and has never really been defined in a specific position, “I’d rather play tackle, but at the same time, sometimes you have to do things for the team, put your personal goals aside and do what you have to do on the field. It doesn’t really matter what I’m playing, as long as I’m playing.”

 

Johnson has been a key member of one of the nation’s most powerful offensive lines, leading the SEC in net rushing yards, yards per game and yards per carry.

 

“We take great pride in that,” Johnson commented. “It’s a joy within the offensive line to be able to say that we can put up those kinds of numbers. Every week, Coach Addazio challenges us to win by saying, ‘Are you going to re-establish that line of scrimmage or is the defense?’ We try to win every battle, one battle at a time.”

 

When it came time to be a starter, Johnson looked to teammate Phil Trautwein, who is now playing offensive line for the St. Louis Rams in the NFL. Johnson had been learning under Trautwein at the left tackle position in anticipation of an increased role the following year. Johnson says that his former mentor helped him in a number of areas, from his mentality during the game to reading the plays and defensive tricks.

 

“Phil helped me not only as an offensive lineman, but as a complete athlete and football player,” Johnson praised. “We don’t get a chance to talk as much anymore, but the Rams had a bye week and he came down and hung out.”

 

With quarterbacks often receiving most of the media attention and recognition, one could understand why a member of the offensive line may feel unappreciated, but not this lineman. Johnson says that Tim Tebow is always the first to recognize his offensive linemen, “At the end of the day, the quarterback knows who’s got his back. People who really know football, who are true football fans, know that you’re nothing without your offensive and defensive lines. If you don’t have a good offensive line, you could have both Tom Brady and Peyton Manning back there to throw the ball, but if you have no one to protect them, they can’t get the ball off.”

 

Johnson says that it’s a great feeling to be 9-0 and that the sensation of last year’s championship makes him strive to do it once more.

 

“I want to be there, I want to be on that stage, see my name on that screen. That’s what helps give me the fuel and desire to get back to it this year. It’s an addictive feeling like, ‘you’re the best.’ It’s one of those feelings that you never want to stop.”

 

Johnson’s work ethic, passion for football, trust in his teammates and their trust in him are all traits that are unquestionable. With Johnson and players like him on the front line of this Gator team, the continued success of Florida football is a safe bet.

 

-UF-