GWU's Johnston Named Big South Conference Defensive Player of the Week
October 01, 2007 | Football
CHARLOTTE – Gardner-Webb defensive end Brian
Johnston's career effort in a win over Austin Peay garnered the
senior Big South Conference/New Balance Defensive Player of the
Week honors.
Johnston (San Diego, Calif. / Madison HS) spearheaded another
stellar performance overall by the GWU defense, collecting a
career-high 14 total tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, a pair of half
sacks, a tipped pass, five quarterback knockdowns and a
school-record seven quarterback pressures.
The 6-foot-5, 280-pounder's exploits helped hold the nation's No.
21 rushing offense to only 93 yards on the ground – and less
than 300 yards overall. Austin Peay All-America running back Chris
Fletcher also saw his string of 10-straight 100-yard games snapped,
with Johnston taking part in nine tackles involving Fletcher in the
game.
After an immaculate reception and run on a tipped ball gave Austin
Peay a first-and-goal with less than a minute remaining – and
GWU holding on to a 20-13 lead – Johnston recorded pressures
on each of the Governors' final two pass plays to end the threat.
Johnston had three of his pressures on the Governors' final drive
of the game.
The Governors' offensive linemen were whistled for a hold against
Johnston as well in the game, the ninth holding call against the
opposition involving Johnston through four games this season.
Johnston finished Saturday's game with one sleeve ripped away from
his jersey after a night of constant grabbing by the APSU
tackles.
Johnston, a preseason Division I FCS All-America selection and a
member of both the Buck Buchanan Award and Ted Hendricks Award
Watch lists in 2007, has recorded 26 total tackles (13 solo), 7.5
tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, three tipped passes and 14 quarterback
pressures through four games this season for Gardner-Webb
(2-2).
Gardner-Webb has allowed only one touchdown at home so far this
season through two dates, and is allowing just 52.5 rushing yards
per game in Boiling Springs in 2007.
A tough test awaits the Runnin' Bulldogs, with a trip on Saturday
to visit two-time defending National Champion Appalachian State
(4-1) in Boone, N.C. Kickoff is set for 2:30 pm ET at Kidd Brewer
Stadium.
