Kieran Johnson, a three-year letterman from 2004-06, played in all but one varsity game as a freshman before bursting on the scene as a sophomore in 2005. He led the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) and ranked 20th-nationally with 117 total tackles (11.5 for loss) in 10 games that fall. In addition, he tallied 6.5 sacks and three forced fumbles as the Cards played to a 7-3 record.

As a result of his play in 2005, Johnson earned first team All-OAC, first team All-Region, and honorable mention All-American honors from Football Gazette. He was also chosen as Otterbein’s “Defensive Front Six Player of the Year” that season, which included three 15-tackle games.

Johnson once again garnered first team All-OAC recognition in 2006, finishing with 97 tackles (9.5 for loss), five sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception. He posted six outings with double-digit tackles, saving his best performance for last by coming up with 12 tackles (4.5 for loss), three sacks, one forced fumble and one interception at John Carroll in his final collegiate game.