Johnson II pens farewell letter

Florida State defensive end Jermaine Johnson II penned a farewell letter to Seminoles fans Thursday as the redshirt senior transitions into preparations for the upcoming NFL draft.

“I know this message can’t explain all my feelings of gratitude for this university, but I’ll give it my best shot … First, I want and need to thank God, my amazing support system, teammates, coaches and staff, and, of course, you amazing fans,” Johnson said in a statement posted to Twitter. “The incredible opportunity to represent this university and everyone associated with it has been nothing short of a blessing, and I cannot thank God enough for it.”

After spending two seasons at Georgia, Johnson was among 13 transfers to join the Florida State roster in the offseason. The redshirt senior immediately impacted the Seminoles, providing the defense with an elite edge rusher.

He earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors earlier this month, capping a season where he led the conference in sacks (12) and tackles for loss (18). Johnson became the eighth Seminole to earn the honor since its inception in 1993, joining DeMarcus Walker (2016), Bjoern Werner (’12), Darnell Dockett (’03), Andre Wadsworth (’97), Peter Boulware (’96), Derrick Alexander (’94) and Derrick Brooks (’93).

Johnson also earned All-American status by ESPN and CBS Sports.

“This past year has given me a newfound love for the game that I had so very badly missed,” Johnson went on to write. “Most important, this time has shown me what it truly means to lead, what it means to truly be selfless and what it means to truly put my heart and body on the line for something greater than myself.

“I’m happy I could give everything I had to this program and to you all. Even though I have only been a Seminole for a year, Garnet and Gold will course through my veins for the rest of my life.”

Johnson’s presence and those of fellow transfers Keir Thomas and Jammie Robinson helped elevate Florida State’s defense. The Seminoles went from allowing 36 points and 456 yards per game in 2020 to 26 points and 377 yards per game this season.

FSU went from 10 sacks last season to 33 in 2021. Most of those came from the edges, with Johnson (12) and Thomas (6.5).

The Seminoles improved from 3-9 in ’20 to 5-7.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper has Johnson as the seventh-best defensive end in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Brian Burns is the last defensive end from Florida State to be a first-round selection when he was picked by the Carolina Panthers in ’19.