The linebacker position rarely comes up short with Penn State football. Dubbed “Linebacker U,” athletes find a way to flourish in Happy Valley. Redshirt junior Jan Johnson stands out as one of those defenders.
As a lesser-recruited, two-star prep player he built a solid wrestling and football career at Governor Mifflin High School. Johnson started at quarterback and linebacker, leading his team to four straight Berks County Championships. In wrestling, he became a two-time state champ at the 145-pound weight class.
Johnson’s football accolades landed him a scholarship offer from Akron. However, he ended up walking on the Nittany Lions’ football team and joining the wrestling program as well.