Penn State's Austin Johnson a terror on defense

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – James Franklin said it's a part of every head coach's routine when watching film of his team's next opponent.

"You're trying to find the guy that can wreck the game," the Penn State coach said.

The Nittany Lions have that type of player in defensive tackle Austin Johnson, a sturdy 6-foot-4, 313-pound redshirt sophomore who starred at St. Augustine Prep in South Jersey. Johnson could be a major headache for Northwestern in Saturday's Big Ten game at Beaver Stadium.

While Johnson's numbers - 10 tackles in four games - aren't overly impressive, Franklin credits his play with providing opportunities for his teammates to make a hit. Penn State ranks in the top 10 in FBS in three defensive categories, including No. 1 against the rush (49.5 yards per game).

"He may not get the stats that our linebackers or other defensive linemen are getting, but a lot of it is he's the cause of it," the coach said. "They're having to double-team him now. He's probably the most athletic 315-pound guy I've ever been around."

Johnson has teamed with fellow tackle Anthony Zettel to create an effective 1-2 punch inside for the Lions (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten). He said he is more confident this season in what he's doing, and that benefits the entire front four.

He exhibited his athleticism in high school when he played basketball at "only" 295. Nowadays, just as he was impossible to move out of the paint, he is a load to deal with in the trenches.

"I constantly work out as hard as I can," Johnson said, "keep on running and doing all of those things. If you don't do those things, you're not going to be as explosive as you want to be."

When opponents double-team Johnson, a defender is often free to make a stop. When he gets blocked one-on-one, he can make it difficult for the offensive lineman to advance to the next level of the defense and deliver a second block, creating another dilemma for a ballcarrier.

Franklin also likes Johnson's personality.

"Every time I see him . . . he's got a huge smile on his face," Franklin said.

Johnson said he is a different person around his teammates than he is on the field.

"When I'm around my teammates, we all act like fools, I guess," he said. "We know how to make each other laugh and have a good time. I'm not really a loud person. I'm quiet most of the time. I keep to myself. I'm just real passionate on the field."

Northwestern (1-2, 0-0) hasn't been dominant with the football, ranking 103d in FBS in total offense and rushing offense. Coach Pat Fitzgerald has lamented that injuries have forced him to keep changing his cast at wide receiver, which has prevented senior quarterback Trevor Siemian from developing consistency.

Meanwhile, Johnson is going to be battling the middle of the Wildcats' offensive line and looking forward to the same success he and his teammates have enjoyed thus far.

"If I'm doing my job and if everyone else keeps doing their jobs and we're winning games, I'm fine," he said.

@joejulesinq