Will make a move to defensive tackle during the spring ... Played linebacker his first two seasons ... Enrolled at Kentucky in January 2011 as a grayshirt ... Originally signed with the Wildcats in Feb. 2010.
2012 (Redshirt Freshman): Saw action in two games, the win over Kent State and at Arkansas ... Made a tackle vs. KSU.
2011 (Freshman): Redshirted.
High School: Primarily a linebacker in high school ... "May be the best-looking kid on the hoof on a team with over 25 DI (Division I) prospects," wrote recruiting analyst Barry Every of Rivals.com, who also tabbed Johnson as a "big-time sleeper" ... Has been clocked as fast as 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash, a terrific time for a linebacker ... Also played strong safety, fullback and tight end ... Three-year letterman, two-year starter ... Helped Stephenson HS to an 11-1 record as a senior (2009) in Class AAAAA, the largest classification in Georgia ... Totaled 76 tackles as a senior, with five quarterback sacks, eight tackles for loss, two fumbles caused and one recovery ... First-team all-region ... Selected for the DeKalb County All-Star Game ... Coached by Ron Gartrell ... "Jabari's athletic ability is outstanding," Gartrell said. "He has great reaction skills and really understands the game on both sides of the ball." ... Teammate of current Wildcats Raymond Sanders and Ronnie Shields ... Listed as the nation's No. 64 outside linebacker prospect by ESPN.com ... Also participated on the track and field team, competing in the 400-meter run and hurdles events.
Personal: Born in Atlanta, Ga. ... Name is pronounced "jah-BAR-ee" ... Son of Melvin Johnson and Veronica Johnson ... A cousin, Trey Buice, played football at Ball State ... Currently enrolled in undergraduate studies.
Community Cats: Participated in the Big Blue U Move-In (2011).
Jabari Says ... Favorite college course so far is: social work ... Other than the NFL, my dream job is: sport psychologist ... My ideal vacation spot is: China ... The coolest thing about UK is: it's very peaceful here ... The one thing I like most about football is: you get to fly around the field and make plays with your teammates ... My hidden talent is: cooking.
