44 Days to Gator Football: Alonzo Johnson

Alonzo Al Johnson played linebacker for Charley Pell's and Galen Hall's Florida Gators from 1982 to 1985, picking up right where Gator Great Wilber Marshall left off. Alonzo was named to the first team All SEC and first team All American teams in the Gators' 9-1-1 1984 and 1985 seasons. He finished his career with 355 tackles, 27 quarterback sacks, and 55 tackles for loss. He was a finalist for the inaugural Butkus Award in 1985 (which actually went to Brian Bosworth in '85 and '86). After graduation, Alonzo was picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played for two seasons before encountering drug and financial problems. Despite his issues in the NFL, Alonzo is remembered as one of the SEC's best linebackers, was voted onto the Gators' All Century Team and All-Time Team, and the University of Florida Athletic Association as a Gator Great.