Buddy Johnson has been overlooked before. 

When Johnson signed to Texas A&M out of Dallas Kimball, he was the lowest-rated linebacker in his own recruiting class. 

After Anthony Hines III opted out the 2020 season, there were questions about whether Texas A&M’s linebackers would be the weak point of the defense and whether Johnson was ready to lead a playoff-caliber unit. 

Well, consider him overlooked no more.

After an outstanding senior season, Dave Campbell's Texas Football has named Texas A&M linebacker Buddy Johnson the 2020 Texas College Defensive Player of the Year.

Johnson led Texas A&M with 76 tackles, 27 more than anyone else on the roster. He added six tackles for loss, three sacks, three pass breakups, an interception and two forced fumbles as a true three-level defensive player. 

More importantly, Johnson has been the heart of a Texas A&M defense that leapt from solid to elite in 2020. The Aggies rank No. 12 nationally in total defense, up from No. 29 in 2019. Texas A&M held five of its last six opponents below three touchdowns. 

“He is a senior linebacker making those calls and doing the things we do, and the whole unit’s playing great,” Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher told The Eagle. “He’s doing a really good job making calls, getting guys there and being a leader. He’s been tremendous in what he’s doing and they are playing well around him.”