Buckeye Bits: Is expected to take over the starting fullback spot for the graduated Stan White Jr. ... has lettered each of the past three years at fullback and has played in 30 games in that span ... is a bruising blocker and powerful inside runner who fights for extra yards and drags defenders with him ... has tremendous leg drive and is very effective in short-yardage and goal-line situations ... also a sure-handed receiver ... also plays on the kickoff return unit.

2006 (Junior): Played in all 13 games as a junior, almost entirely on special teams ... backup to Stan White Jr.

2005 (Sophomore): Played in 11 of the Buckeyes' 12 games (all but Texas) ... logged a total of 38 minutes ... longest stints were seven minutes against Minnesota and Northwestern ... was a member of the kickoff return team ... did not have any statistics.

2004 (Freshman): Played in the final six games of the season ... had four carries for 10 yards and quickly became a crowd favorite with his determined running ... carried the ball twice against Indiana for nine yards and had solo carries against Michigan State and Michigan ... reeled in two passes for five yards, one against the Spartans and the other against the Wolverines.

High School: Earned first-team All-Ohio honors as a senior ... played center as a junior before being switched to fullback for his final season ... won the Columbus city wrestling championship as a junior at the 215-pound weight class ... played catcher on the baseball team as a freshman, junior and senior ... ran track as a junior and was a member of the 4x100 relay team that won a regional title.

Personal: Son of Thomas "Pepper" Johnson and Monica Hawkins ... father is an assistant coach with the New England Patriots ... former Buckeye All-America Keith Byars is his godfather ... enjoys drawing and writing as ways of relaxing.