Johnny Buchanan

Last updated

Johnny Buchanan
No. 33
Position: Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1999-07-25) July 25, 1999 (age 25)
Brick Township, New Jersey, U.S.
Height:5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:230 lb (104 kg)
Career information
High school: Brick Township (NJ)
St. John Vianney (NJ)
College: Delaware (2018–2022)
Undrafted: 2023
Career history
Career highlights and awards

Johnny Christian Buchanan (born July 25, 1999) [1] is a former American football linebacker. He played college football at Delaware.

Contents

Early life

Buchanan was born on July 25, 1999. [1] His father, John, played football at Rutgers, while his cousin Collin Olsen was a running back at FIU; his great uncle, Joe Auer, played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons, scoring a touchdown on the first play in the Dolphins' history. [2] [3] [4]

Buchanan grew up in Brick, New Jersey, and played freshman football at Brick Township High School before transferring to St. John Vianney High School. [1] [5] He was a two-way player at St. John Vianney, seeing time at running back and linebacker, and was considered one of their most versatile players. [6] He followed the philosophy used by All-American East Carolina back Scott Harley, called "seek and destroy" – to "punish [the defenders] before they punish you." [7] Buchanan said, "when I played running back, some of the most fun plays were making a quick move and going 70-yards untouched – but something about running through somebody's face is unmatched – so really I had the same mentality on both sides of the ball: make my opponent pay for carrying the ball or trying to tackle me." [7] He studied players such as Ray Lewis, Brian Dawkins, Sean Taylor and Lawrence Taylor to improve his hitting style. [7]

As a junior at St. John Vianney in 2016, Buchanan totaled 140 [note 1] tackles, placing eighth in the state, four sacks, two forced fumbles, two recoveries and two interceptions as he helped his school reach the playoff semifinals. [8] [9] He additionally posted 433 rushing yards and 12 total touchdowns [note 2] on offense, being named first-team All-Shore, second-team All-State, All-Division, and the conference Defensive Player of the Year. [1] [8]

Buchanan was named as a senior first-team All-State, All-Division, first-team All-Shore, All-Metro, the conference Defensive Player of the Year and the Class A Central Defensive Player of the Year. [1] [10] On offense, he posted 1,393 yards off 152 attempts with 17 touchdowns, and defensively he recorded 121 tackles, three sacks and an interception. [note 3] While Buchanan was with St. John Vianney, they compiled an overall record of 31–3 and won the conference championship each year; he was twice their team captain and named their most valuable player. [1]

College career

Buchanan received several offers to play college football, including from FCS teams Monmouth, Elon and Albany, but committed to Delaware after getting their offer on his birthday. [3] He spent his true freshman year, 2018, being mentored by Troy Reeder and Charles Bell while being a backup. [3] He appeared in ten games, none of which he started, and totaled seven tackles and one interception. [11] After both Reeder and Bell graduated in 2019, Buchanan was able to see more action. [3] He appeared in nine games, starting five, and made 47 tackles, additionally returning an interception against Stony Brook 33 yards for the only score of his career. [11] [12]

In the 2020 season, played in spring of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Buchanan started all eight games and recorded 42 tackles, placing second on the team, with one sack, helping them qualify for the playoffs. [1] He made at least three tackles in every game and was named first-team All-CAA Football after the season. [1] [13] Buchanan appeared in all 11 games the following season, starting eight while leading the team with 81 tackles, including 5.5 for a loss, in addition to one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a single interception. [1] After the year, he was selected second-team all-conference. [14]

After the firing of Danny Rocco in 2022, Buchanan entered the NCAA transfer portal, although he later decided to stay at Delaware. [5] In what would be his final season at the school, he totaled 150 tackles, leading the entire FCS, and was named first-team All-CAA as well as to seven All-America teams. [15] He also recorded 1.5 sacks, 8.5 TFLs, and one forced fumble with one recovered, being a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award for best defensive player in the FCS. [15] [16] Buchanan posted in five games over 15 tackles, including a team record-tying 23 tackles in their win over FBS opponent Navy, for which he was named the national defensive player of the week. [15] [17] [18]

Buchanan declared for the NFL draft following the 2022 season, finishing his stint at Delaware with a total of 326 tackles, including 16.5 for a loss, 2.5 sacks, four pass breakups, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles with two fumble recoveries. [15] [19]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
5 ft 11+1⁄3 in
(1.81 m)		228 lb
(103 kg)		30+3⁄8 in
(0.77 m)		9 in
(0.23 m)		4.58 s1.56 s4.10 s7.2 s40 in
(1.02 m)		10 ft 7 in
(3.23 m)		22 reps
All values from pro day [2]

Buchanan attended Delaware's pro day, at which he posted a 40-inch vertical jump, a 4.58 40-yard dash and 22 bench press repetitions. [20] [21] [22] Afterwards, he was invited to attend local pro days with the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and New York Jets. [23] He was projected as either a late-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft or a priority undrafted free agent. [23] Buchanan ended up going unselected in the draft. [24] He was afterwards invited to the rookie minicamp of the Pittsburgh Steelers. [25]

St. Louis Battlehawks

On June 16, 2023, Buchanan was selected by the St. Louis Battlehawks in the XFL's Rookie Draft. [26] He signed a letter of intent on October 18, 2023. [27] He was placed on injured reserve on March 4, 2024. [28]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Julius Peppers</span> American football player (born 1980)

Julius Frazier Peppers is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end and linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, where he was recognized as a unanimous All-American, and was selected by the Carolina Panthers second overall in the 2002 NFL draft, and also played for the Chicago Bears from 2010 through 2013 and the Green Bay Packers from 2014 to 2016. After rejoining the Panthers for the 2017 season, he retired after the 2018 NFL season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tedy Bruschi</span> American football player (born 1973)

Tedy Lacap Bruschi is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons. He played college football for the Arizona Wildcats, where he earned two-time consensus All-American. He was selected by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 1996 NFL draft, and played his entire professional career with them. Bruschi won three Super Bowls and was a two-time second-team All-Pro selection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joey Porter</span> American football player and coach (born 1977)

Joseph Eugene Porter Sr. is an American professional football coach and former player. He played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Colorado State Rams and was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 1999 NFL draft. A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Porter won Super Bowl XL with the Steelers and was also a member of the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals. The Steelers drafted his son, Joey Porter Jr., with the thirty-second overall selection of the 2023 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">D. J. Williams (linebacker)</span> American football player (born 1982)

Genos Derwin "D. J." Williams Jr. is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Miami and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2004 NFL draft in the National Football League (NFL). He also played two seasons for the Chicago Bears.

Kevin Lamont Hardy is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, and Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football for the Illinois Fighting Illini.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bryan Cox</span> American football player and coach (born 1968)

Bryan Keith Cox Sr. is an American football coach and former player who currently serves as the assistant defensive line coach for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played as a linebacker in the NFL. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection with the Miami Dolphins, and was a member of the New England Patriots team that won Super Bowl XXXVI.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shawn Barber (American football)</span> American football player and coach (born 1975)

Shawn William Barber is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 1998 NFL draft. He played college football at Richmond. He also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Gocong</span> American football player (born 1983)

Christopher Andrew Gocong is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Eagles in the third round of the 2006 NFL draft. He played college football at FCS Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curtis Lofton</span> American football player (born 1986)

Curtis Tremayne Lofton is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners, earning All-American honors. Lofton was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft. He also played for the New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason Williams (American football)</span> American football player (born 1986)

Jason X. Williams is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played college football at Western Illinois.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brad Jones (American football)</span> American football player (born 1986)

Bradley Edward Jones is an American former professional football linebacker. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL draft, and played college football at Colorado. With the Packers, he was part of their Super Bowl XLV team that beat the Pittsburgh Steelers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marquis Flowers</span> American football player (born 1992)

Marquis Flowers is an American former professional football linebacker. He was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL draft. He played college football at Arizona. He also played for the New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, and Washington Redskins.

Jesse Andrew Penn II is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies. and was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 1985 NFL draft.

Jerome Ellsworth Couplin III is a former American football safety. He played college football at William & Mary. He went undrafted in the 2014 NFL draft before signing with the Detroit Lions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fred Warner (American football)</span> American football player (born 1996)

Federico Anthony Warner is an American professional football linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the BYU Cougars and was selected by the 49ers in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Isaiah Simmons</span> American football player (born 1998)

Isaiah Simmons is an American professional football safety for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Clemson Tigers and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals eighth overall in the 2020 NFL draft. While at Clemson, Simmons was noted for his positional versatility as he played linebacker, defensive end, cornerback and safety.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Logan Wilson</span> American football player (born 1996)

Logan Wilson is an American professional football linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Wyoming and was selected by the Bengals in the third round of the 2020 NFL draft.

Dante Olson is a former American football linebacker. He played college football at Montana.

Jabril Cox is an American professional football linebacker. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft. He played college football for the North Dakota State Bison, where he won three FCS championships and was named the MVFC defensive player of the year before playing the 2020 season with LSU. Cox has also been a member of the Washington Commanders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Troy Andersen</span> American football player (born 1999)

Troy Andersen is an American professional football linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Montana State where previously played quarterback, running back and fullback for them before moving to linebacker. He was named a FCS All-American and the Big Sky Conference defensive player of the year in 2021.

References

Notes

  1. ↑ Reported as 140 in the Asbury Park Press , 139 on Patch.com, 145 on the University of Delaware website. [1] [8] [9]
  2. ↑ The Delaware website records 500 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, while the Asbury Park Press reported 433 yards and 12 touchdowns. [1] [8]
  3. ↑ The Delaware website lists 1,400 rushing yards and 130 tackles with four sacks, while the Asbury Park Press reported 1,393 rushing yards, 121 tackles and three sacks. [1] [10]

Citations

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Johnny Buchanan". Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens.
  2. 1 2 Carney, Josh (April 17, 2023). "2023 NFL Draft Player Profiles: Delaware LB Johnny Buchanan". SteelersDepot.com.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Tresolini, Kevin (August 7, 2019). "Next Man Up: Delaware's Buchanan is ready to fill the void left at linebacker". The News Journal . p. C1, C3 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  4. ↑ "Joe Auer Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com .
  5. 1 2 Tesolini, Kevin (November 4, 2022). "UD football has nation's top tackler; can he stop nation's top rusher?". The News Journal . p. B1, B7 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  6. ↑ Rotolo, Chris (November 17, 2016). "SJV's Buchanan a heavy hitter". Asbury Park Press . p. C1, C3 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  7. 1 2 3 Melvin, Chris (August 22, 2021). "These bruisers brought the boom". Asbury Park Press . p. B5, B8 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  8. 1 2 3 4 Rotolo, Chris (September 7, 2017). "Buchanan set to be a double threat". Asbury Park Press . p. F16 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  9. 1 2 Williams, Carol (December 20, 2017). "SJV's Johnny Buchanan Headed To University Of Delaware". Patch.com .
  10. 1 2 Falk, Steve (December 17, 2017). "All-Shore: Football: Defense". Asbury Park Press . p. C11 – via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  11. 1 2 "Johnny Buchanan Stats". The Football Database.
  12. ↑ "Knight, Buchanan TDs lift Delaware over Stony Brook 17-10". CBS Sports . Associated Press. November 16, 2019.
  13. ↑ Tresolini, Kevin (April 21, 2021). "UD football places 7 on all-conference first team, including offensive player of the year". The News Journal .
  14. ↑ "Roundup: Delaware State University puts 17 football players on All-MEAC". Delaware State News . November 23, 2021.
  15. 1 2 3 4 Quattro, Jackie (April 4, 2023). "Eagles news: Philadelphia invites Delaware linebacker to local pro day". FanSided .
  16. ↑ Nuanez, Colter (January 7, 2023). "Illinois State's Vandenburgh wins Stats Perform Buck Buchanan Award". Skyline Sports.
  17. ↑ Washburn, Rob (September 5, 2022). "Delaware's Buchanan Honored As FedEx Ground FCS National Defensive Player Of the Week". Colonial Athletic Association.
  18. ↑ Walter, Andy (September 3, 2022). "Blue Hens give Carty a win over Navy in his debut as coach" . Delaware State News .
  19. ↑ Buchanan, Johnny [@J_Buchanan_1] (December 7, 2022). "All glory to God. Time to go get it" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  20. ↑ Erby, Glenn (April 1, 2023). "Report: Delaware linebacker Johnny Buchanan to participate in Eagles' local pro day". USA Today .
  21. ↑ Alessandrini, Nick (March 23, 2023). "9 participate in Delaware football Pro-Day". Milford LIVE .
  22. ↑ Fowler, Ryan (March 27, 2023). "NFL Draft 2023: 13 Pro Day Standouts You Need To Know". The Draft Network.
  23. 1 2 Benton, Dan (April 2, 2023). "Delaware LB Johnny Buchanan will attend Giants' local pro day". USA Today .
  24. ↑ Reardon, Logan (April 29, 2023). "Full list of every pick from the 2023 NFL Draft". NBC Sports.
  25. ↑ Carney, Josh (May 10, 2023). "Delaware LB Johnny Buchanan Invited To Steelers Rookie Minicamp". SteelersDepot.com.
  26. ↑ "St. Louis Battlehawks Select 10 Players in XFL Rookie Draft". OurSports Central. June 16, 2023. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
  27. ↑ "XFL Transactions". XFL.com. Retrieved December 25, 2023.
  28. ↑ "UFL Player Transactions, Monday March 4, 2024". UFLBoard.com. March 4, 2024. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.