Keith Johnson Class: Junior Hometown: North Augusta, S.C. High School: North Augusta Height / Weight: 5-10 / 182 Position: CB Experience: 2L

Furman: Returning starter at right cornerback...will have to fend off an expected challenge from Maurice Duncan in the preseason to retain starting role...appears to again be in prime position to play a key role in a Paladin secondary, which welcomes back all four regulars on a Southern Conference leading defense that, in all, counts nine returning starters from a year ago. 2003 -- Used a strong preseason to earn starting job, which he retained the entire 11-game season...played a pivotal role in Furman leading the nation in passing defense (132.8 ypg) and topping the SoCon in scoring defense (14.1 ppg), total defense (272.5 ypg), and passing efficency defense (97.5 rating)...was credited with 33 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, and a pass deflection...recorded a pair of six-tackle performances against both Clemson (28-17 loss), the eventual Peach Bowl champion, and East Tennessee State (30-10 win). 2002 -- Registered his first playing time, seeing action in all 12 games primarily as a member of special teams...totaled 15 tackles and a fumble recovery...registered a season high six tackles in 55-28 win over VMI...fumble recovery came against Wofford and set up a 31-yard touchdown pass from Billy Napier to Isaac West on the next play to give Furman a 7-0 lead on the way to a 23-21 win. 2001 -- Member of scout team...awarded redshirt and extra year of eligibility.

High School: 2001 graduate of North Augusta High School...football coach was Joe Long...high school teammate of Paladin sophomore offensive guard Clayton Dyson...saw action exclusively at cornerback...tallied 25 tackles and four interceptions in five games before having his senior season cut short with a fractured forearm...was still named to the Augusta Chronicle "Dream 16" Team...was tabbed by several publications and organizations as a pre-season all-state selection and one of South Carolina's top defensive backs prior to 2000 campaign...notched 55 tackles and a pair of interceptions in 1999 on the way to earning All-Metro Augusta and Aiken Standard All-Area honors...member of National Honor Society.

Personal: Full name is Keith Bernard Johnson...son of Kenneth and Sherry Johnson...born May 3, 1983, in Augusta, Georgia...history major.