Indiana DT Jerome Johnson Declares for NFL Draft

Johnson was a first-team All-Big Ten selection by the media this past season and a second-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Indiana defensive tackle Jerome Johnson announced on his Instagram Wednesday morning that he will not be coming back to Indiana and will pursue his dream of playing professionally.

Johnson was a first-team All-Big Ten selection by the media this past season and a second-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches.

He had two tackles and a fumble recovery in the win over Penn State; recorded four tackles in the win at Rutgers; made four tackles with 2.0 sacks and 2.5 TFLs in the victory at Michigan State; totaled four tackles, one sack, one TFL and one interception at Ohio State; posted one tackle, one sack, one TFL and one quarterback hurry in the win over Maryland; and one tackle in the victory at Wisconsin.

“I like to think that I’m a good football player, so if guys see me doing what I’m supposed to do and achieving certain goals that I’ve set for myself, then they’ll try to do the same,” Johnson said in November on being a leader for Indiana.

Johnson's departure will open up a big hole on the defensive line for Indiana. This could open up an opportunity for Demarjhe Lewis, who the coaches have raved about for over a year now.

Johnson is now the fourth Indiana senior to not use their extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA this season due to COVID-19. Johnson joins Whop Philyor, Harry Crider and Jovan Swann as the seniors who are pursuing the NFL.

Indiana junior Jamar Johnson also declared for the NFL draft this week.

Sports Illustrated Indiana will continue to provide updates on the Indiana football seniors.

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• JAMAR JOHNSON DECLARES FOR NFL DRAFT: Junior safety Jamar Johnson has chosen to forego his final year of eligibility with the Hoosiers. CLICK HERE
• PHILYOR DECLARES FOR NFL: Indiana receiver Whop Philyor has decided to move on and pursue his dream of playing in the NFL. CLICK HERE
• FRYFOGLE COMING BACK TO INDIANA: The Big Ten Receiver of the Year is coming back to the Hoosiers in 2021. CLICK HERE
• COMPLETE LIST OF INDIANA SENIORS: For a complete update on what the Indiana football seniors are doing, CLICK HERE