‘Give Them Something Good To Look At’
August 06, 2023 | Football, Joel Coleman
Jett Johnson remains committed to leading by example.
STARKVILLE – Jett Johnson is a leader in every way.
Statistically, he topped the Southeastern Conference in tackles last season with 115 of them. Verbally, he's not afraid to offer advice or encouragement when the situation merits.
But sometimes – like in the middle of a preseason camp practice with a heat index in the triple digits – there's just not much that can be said.
"With the heat and stuff, a lot of times it's hard to be vocal because you're sucking wind, too," Johnson said on Saturday, still wiping the sweat from his brow following State's second practice of the new year.
Despite the summertime heat, Johnson refuses to let tough conditions impact his leadership abilities.
"My preacher back [home] in Tupelo says preach the gospel everywhere and, if necessary, use words," Johnson explained. "So, I think on the football field, you've got to lead by example…by eradicating bad thoughts and just pushing through. The young guys kind of look up to you as an older guy who's been through it. So, make sure you give them something good to look at."
Young linebackers – or young Bulldogs in general – would do well to closely observe how Johnson handles every bit of his business. Longtime members of the State family already know Johnson's demeanor and the story behind it well. But for those who don't, it bears repeating.
This is a guy who was once just a kid dreaming of the chance to play for his beloved Bulldogs. After a standout career at Tupelo High, he got his chance, but early opportunities were hard to come by for him in Starkville.
Johnson played in only two total games over his first two years with the program in 2018 and 2019. In 2020, he saw a little more action as he got in five games, but still wasn't a major contributor. Nevertheless, Johnson stuck with MSU, kept his head down and continued to grind.
Then, in the fall of 2021, Johnson got his big chance. Fellow linebacker Nathaniel Watson went down with injury in an early-season game against N.C. State. Johnson helped absorb the blow when he stepped in and delivered a breakout performance that included nine tackles, a half-tackle for loss, a forced fumble and a pass breakup. Johnson has been a key cog of the Bulldog defense ever since.
For more than three years he waited and worked his tail off for his turn, then was ready when it came. Talk about giving up-and-comers something good to look at.
"I just think preparing like you're one play away from getting your shot or opportunity [is how you go about things]," Johnson said. "You want to be able to make the most of your opportunity [when it comes]. It wasn't anything crazy. You prepare day in and day out, and when opportunity presents itself, thank the Good Lord that you're able to take advantage of it."
Now an established Dawg heading into his final collegiate season, Johnson keeps setting a standard for anyone who's looking his way. Johnson saw no action this past spring as he recovered from an offseason procedure, but unsurprisingly did everything he needed to do to make sure he was totally healthy and good to go when camp opened last week.
"The first couple of days [of camp], you've kind of got to knock the rust off," Johnson said. "It's been awhile. I know for me, it's been since January. So, I'm trying to get back in the rhythm and swing of things."
There's no doubt Johnson will put in the work to get to precisely where he needs to be. It's just how he's wired.
If the Bulldogs are lucky, others in Maroon and White will be closely following No. 44's lead this month and in the season ahead. They'll imitate him. They'll adopt his work ethic. They'll make sure Bulldogs of all ages have something good to look at for years and years to come.
