July 15, 2013
HOUSTON, Texas – The preseason accolades continue to roll in for Vanderbilt senior offensive tackle Wesley Johnson, who was named to the 2013 Rotary Lombardi Award watch list today. Johnson was one of 105 offensive linemen, defensive linemen, and linebackers recognized by the Houston-based Lombardi Award Committee.
Last week, Johnson was named to the preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy, awarded to thenation’s most outstanding interior lineman.
Later this week, Johnson will join Head Coach James Franklin, wide receiver Jordan Matthews and cornerback Andre Hal as Vanderbilt representatives at SEC Media Days in Birmingham. The Commodores will be featured Thursday afternoon at Media Days.
Johnson, a product of Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville, ranks among the nation’s most versatile linemen. As a three-year starter, Johnson has been in the starting unit as left and right tackle, guard and center.
Johnson has 38 consecutive career starts, tying for the most by any offensive lineman in the country. He is on paced to set a new team record for career starts.
Johnson blends outstanding agility and blocking techniques with toughness and superb football knowledge. As a Commodore, Johnson has never been called for a holding penalty, and he did not allow a sack in 2013. He has also played virtually every significant offensive snap for the last three years, and has been on the field for every Vanderbilt touchdown during the three-year span.
Johnson earned All-SEC honorable mention from the Associated Press in 2012 and helped pave the way for a rushing attack that averaged 166 yards per game and a passing attack that averaged 214 yards per contest. He earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors for his performance in a shutout win at Kentucky, his third career weekly award from the conference and the most ever by Vanderbilt offensive lineman.
Coming off a 9-4 campaign capped with a victory in the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl, Johnson and the Commodores will help kick off the college football season on ESPN for the second straight year when they host Ole Miss on Thursday, Aug. 29.
Season tickets remain available, starting at $145 and $160 for Vanderbilt Stadium end zone sections. Tickets can be purchased online or via phone at (615) 322-GOLD (4653). The Vanderbilt Ticket Office also is open during regular hours on weekdays in McGugin Athletics Center, 2601 Jess Neely Drive.
