ECU’s old-school edge-setter at linebacker
In his East Carolina career, Derrell Johnson stood out as a physical, durable outside linebacker who became a four-year starter and a tone-setter in ECU’s 3-4 front, with 36 straight starts entering the 2013 season and team-leading 2012 production in sacks (7.0), tackles for loss (11.0), fumble recoveries (2), and quarterback hurries (8). His differentiators were his athleticism, quickness, and strength — the kind of combo that coaches trusted in a stand-up role. If you value reliability, violence at the point of attack, and a player who can consistently create disruption, he fit the Pirates perfectly.
