A 24-year-old addition to the OSU defense
Published: 8/16/2010 12:12 AM
Last Modified: 8/16/2010 12:12 AM
During the summer of 2007, a 23-year-old quarterback – Brandon Weeden – joined the OSU program after having spent five seasons in minor-league baseball.
Last week, a 24-year-old linebacker – Tyler Johnson – joined the Cowboy football team after having spent six years as an outfielder and first baseman in the Los Angeles Angels organization.
A four-year football starter at Haskell High School, Johnson signed to play at the University of Tulsa. But instead of playing football with the Golden Hurricane, he decided to play professional baseball after being selected by the Angels in the 12th round of the 2004 draft.
Classified as a first-year freshman walk-on at OSU, the 6-foot-1, 236-pound Johnson participated in the Cowboys’ Saturday scrimmage. During his first series with the second-team defense, he made two tackles. He’s not in football condition yet, coach Mike Gundy says, but Johnson appears to have the potential to help the defense.
“I don’t know that he knows what he’s doing, but I saw him run across the field and make some tackles. That’s encouraging,” Gundy said. “I will pay attention to him now.”
Defensive coordinator Bill Young was asked whether Johnson might actually become an immediate factor.
“He’s got some really talented guys in front of him . . . but at least he’s in the mix, and we’re happy to have him,” Young said.
Weeden said he and Johnson conversed briefly about their respective experiences in baseball.
“I’m just glad to have another old guy around,” Weeden said. “I won’t get all of the old man jokes.”
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
