Tyree Johnson named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week

Tyree makes it three.

On Monday, the Southeastern Conference announced that Texas A&M defensive lineman Tyree Johnson has been named the league's Defensive Lineman of the Week following the Aggies' defensive statement versus Auburn on Saturday at Kyle Field. This is now the third time this season that Johnson has been named a standout along the defensive front.

"That guy is playing lights out right now, sacks and plays," head coach Jimbo Fisher said of Johnson. "He's making a difference and impact in the way he's playing."

Johnson was also named the SEC's Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week following A&M's upset of then-No. 1 Alabama and after a drubbing of South Carolina.

On Saturday afternoon, Johnson got to Auburn quarterback Bo Nix for a pair of sacks, marking the fourth consecutive game in which he has registered a sack.

Following A&M's win over South Carolina two weeks ago, Johnson wore a precautionary boot into the postgame press conference. Against Auburn, he quickly quelled any concerns that he might be bothered by an injury, sacking Nix for a 10-yard loss on third down on the fifth play of the game.

"It was big. He came in on third downs, and he rushed the passers like he always does," defensive lineman Jayden Peevy said.

Johnson was credited for a second sack in the second quarter, again on third down, but this time, he knocked the ball out of Nix's hand. Unfortunately for the Maroon & White, the Tigers retained possession. 

"He's been that guy for us this whole season," Peevy added.

All season, indeed. The senior from Washington, D.C. now has eight sacks on the year to go along with 21 total tackles and 15 solo stops. Johnson has been a perfect complement to DeMarvin Leal and Micheal Clemons off the edge whenever he rotates into the game.

Under defensive coordinator Mike Elko, the famed Wrecking Crew seems to have returned to Aggieland, and Johnson's role has been pivotal in its reemergence.