Michael Johnson Class: Junior Hometown: Garland, TX High School: South Garland HS Height / Weight: 5-11 / 210 Position: DB Experience: 2L

UNLV: A talented defender who played linebacker in high school but moved to safety with the Rebels and played as a true freshman ... Listed No. 2 behind Tony Cade heading into the season ... Hails from the same prep program as former UNLV offensive lineman Ernie Calanche (1998-2001).

2006: Earned his first letter as a Rebel by playing in 11 games, primarily on special teams ... Finished with four total tackles.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of South Garland HS ... Lettered twice for the Colonels under coach Mickey Moss ... Part of a prep squad that won back-to-back District 11-5A championships in 2004 and 2005 ... Made 100 tackles, including five for loss and three sacks as a senior ... Earned first team all-district honors as a linebacker in 2005 ... Also saw time as a wide receiver his junior year ... A three-year letterwinner in track in the 100 and 200 meters as well as the 4x100 relay.

PERSONAL: Michael Nikita Johnson Jr. was born on June 30, 1988, in Dallas ... The son of Michael Johnson Sr. and Darinda Weaver ... Has a younger brother, Mark ... Picked UNLV over Illinois and others ... Has not declared a major.