Buddy Johnson has been overlooked before. 

When Johnson signed to Texas A&M out of Dallas Kimball, he was the lowest-rated linebacker in his own recruiting class. 

After Anthony Hines III opted out the 2020 season, there were questions about whether Texas A&M’s linebackers would be the weak point of the defense and whether Johnson was ready to lead a playoff-caliber unit. 

Well, consider him overlooked no more.

After an outstanding senior season, Dave Campbell's Texas Football has named Texas A&M linebacker Buddy Johnson the 2020 Texas College Defensive Player of the Year.

Johnson led Texas A&M with 76 tackles, 27 more than anyone else on the roster. He added six tackles for loss, three sacks, three pass breakups, an interception and two forced fumbles as a true three-level defensive player. 

More importantly, Johnson has been the heart of a Texas A&M defense that leapt from solid to elite in 2020. The Aggies rank No. 12 nationally in total defense, up from No. 29 in 2019. Texas A&M held five of its last six opponents below three touchdowns. 

“He is a senior linebacker making those calls and doing the things we do, and the whole unit’s playing great,” Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher told The Eagle. “He’s doing a really good job making calls, getting guys there and being a leader. He’s been tremendous in what he’s doing and they are playing well around him.” 

Even while playing against some of the most productive players in America, Johnson has found a way to make plays. With then-No. 21 Texas A&M tied in the fourth quarter against No. 4 Florida, Johnson forced a fumble off Gators running back Malik Davis that helped set up a game-winning field goal. Without that one play, Texas A&M’s legendary 8-1 season could not have come together. 

The Aggies’ top-five finish in the College Football Playoff rankings represents just their fourth such finish. The others? Homer Norton’s national title run in 1939, Johnny Manziel’s Heisman season in 2012 and Bear Bryant’s penultimate season in 1956. This defense will be remembered in College Station for years to come.

The senior is set to lead Texas A&M into a matchup in the Orange Bowl against No. 13 North Carolina at 7 p.m. on Jan. 2. He has yet to announce whether he will enter the 2021 NFL Draft or return for a NCAA-approved fifth year of eligibility. 

Before Texas A&M, Johnson was a standout for head coach Henry Cofer at Dallas Kimball. In addition to earning all-district honors as a senior, Johnson led the team with 472 rushing yards and 446 receiving yards. Earlier in high school, the ever-versatile Johnson also played quarterback.