Fab Four: Selecting Texas football’s Mount Rushmore of all-time recruits

On the eve of early signing day, Longhorns Wire recalls the most hyped commits in school history.

Derrick Johnson: Linebacker from Waco

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The first name on the list of the Mount Rushmore of recruiting belongs to Derrick Johnson of Waco. He spent 2001-04 with the Longhorns, leaving the year before they won the national championship to play in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Johnson holds school records for most interceptions by a linebacker (9). He also is tied for the most in a single season (4). Johnson achieved that mark twice. That tied him with the legendary linebacker Tommy Nobis. Quite the company for Johnson.

He might be better known as a sure tackler at the second level. Johnson isn’t in the top 10 as far as single-season numbers, but you would be hard-pressed to find a more consistent performer. He ranks third all-time in career tackles. Johnson is also No. 1 in tackles for loss in a career, just head of Jackson Jeffcoat.

Next: We turn to the offense