While Marlon Mack may have become a household name because of his breakout season, USF fans are discovering that the Bulls have other players with star power in the backfield – one in particular being freshman back, D’Ernest Johnson.

“We call him Mr. Clutch,” said head coach Willie Taggart. “When the game gets tight, he gets excited and fired up and really wants to make plays.

Mr. Clutch sure came through in the recent dramatic 14-13 comeback win at SMU that kept USF’s post-season hopes alive. With the offence needing a boost, Johnson carried defenders with him to the end zone during his 12-yard touchdown reception that helped cut the deficit to 13-7 with 8:02 remaining.

“You just watch those runs and that catch when he scored,” Taggart said. “He was determined to score and do whatever it takes to help this football team.”

SMU punted after Johnson’s score, and the Bulls headed back to Tampa with a win after putting together a 21-play scoring drive. Johnson’s accounted for 37 years on the longest scoring drive in program history from a plays-standpoint, with a 20-yard catch on third-and-12 from the USF 33. Mr. Clutch came through again with a 4-yard run on fourth-and-1 from the USF 38.

“That was great to see, especially from a freshman coming in and making those big-time plays,” Taggart said.

“We’re lucky to have him,” running backs coach Telly Lockette said, “because he had his choices.”

The former Immokalee (Fla.) High School standout racked up 1,855 yards, 19 rushing touchdowns, and 28 total scores in his prep career, all the while showing his versatility in the process. Johnson made 28 catches for 413 yards and three touchdowns as a senior, and he also served as the team’s punter. Additionally, he gave football fans in his hometown a lot to feel good about in 2012, when he helped lead the Indians to the Class5A state championship game. Johnson helped Immokalee reach the title game by rushing for 113 yards and three touchdowns in a 29-21 state semi-final victory over Miami Jackson High School, led by USF true freshman QB Quinton Flowers.

“The future looks good here at the University of South Florida,” Lockette said.

For more about “Mr. Clutch” and to read the entire article, check out the USF GoBulls website at http://www.gousfbulls.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=7700&ATCLID=209776512