Whether you're talking about Dick Butkus, Dat Nguyen, Ray Nitschke or Tedy Bruschi, inside linebackers are just a different breed.

A breed that loves hitting.

Rudder junior Josh Johnson is no different. He likes to hunt in his spare time, but he loves playing football and has since he was little.

"I like hitting people," Johnson said. "When I was little, I played baseball and flag football. My dad wouldn't let me play the next year because I was too physical, so I started playing tackle football in second grade."

Johnson may not have prototypical size for an inside linebacker, but he does have the mentality it takes to excel at the position. He also sets himself apart by how he plays the game, according to Rudder head coach C.M. Pier.

"You're talking about a little man who loves the game," Pier said. "The biggest thing about him is he's smart. He's just getting better every week. With his size, he's got to know exactly what to do. When things start moving, he's got to make things happen. If he sits back, he's got no chance.

"His instincts are getting better. Coach [Alan] Fritsche is doing a great job with the inside linebackers to get them playing how they are playing."

Rudder's defensive line also helps Johnson tremendously, giving him time to read and diagnose plays. In Rudder's defensive scheme, the inside linebacker is not required to drop back into pass protection very often, which frees up Johnson to wreak havoc on developing plays.

"If [my defensive line] doesn't do their job, the blockers are on me," Johnson said. "But, when they get their job done, we can stop [the offense]. I just like to make big plays. I'll pop the running back on screens before the ball gets there or on crossing routes. We blitz a little bit, it varies with each team, how they run the ball."

The defense has grown along with Johnson and the rest of the Rudder players since last season. After playing in a tough district with some of the best rushing offenses in the area, Johnson and his defensive unit were tested. This season, they're hoping the trial by fire pays off.

"Last year, we'd get calls mixed up and we weren't ready for the play," Johnson said. "This year, we're set up [pre-snap]. I got a lot bigger and stronger, I'm better at reading plays. Our offense is better at moving the ball, which helps us out."

In Rudder's victory over Brookshire-Royal on Friday, Johnson finished with four tackles, giving him 11 on the season. He trails just four other players in tackles after two games.

Johnson and his defensive mates have given up an average of 351 yards this season after allowing just 305 yards to the Falcons last week. Johnson said he enjoyed the program's first varsity victory, even though it was a bit soggy.

"We had a good feeling going into it and we brought home the win," Johnson said. "It was exciting. The rain actually pumped me up. I like playing in the rain; it motivated me a bit more."

JOHNSON UP CLOSE

* Person you admire most: Florida quarterback Tim Tebow

* Favorite food: Steak

* Favorite car: Jeep Wrangler

* Favorite opponent: Navasota

* Favorite pro team: New England Patriots