MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — The first time Larry Black saw Desjuan Johnson on a football field was through a computer screen.
The Toledo defensive line coach was watching one of Johnson’s highlight tapes and was transfixed by the defensive end’s ability to go through opposing linemen left and right, and left and right, and left and right. It was as if the film was on repeat mode.
“He wasn’t near as big and as thick as he is now. He was a skinny little guy,” Black said, laughing. “But he had some quickness to his feet and some natural ability.