As expected, Dennis Johnson announced Friday he will enter the 2002 NFL Draft.

"After several weeks of prayer and deliberating my football future, I've decided to follow my lifelong dream and have declared myself for early entry into the NFL Draft," Johnson said.

"I know there are no guarantees on where I'll be drafted," he added, "but I really think now is my time."

Some might fear Johnson is making a mistake by entering the NFL with one year of college still remaining. But NFL draft analysts at The Sporting News tend to favor the notion.

"Johnson has a very good upside and explosive playmaking skills as a outside rusher," The Sporting News reports.

"Johnson should be drafted no later than the second round," The Sporting News predicts.

During the 2001 season, Johnson led the Southeastern Conference in three defensive categories, including quarterback sacks (school-record 12), tackles for loss (19), and fumbles caused (five). He had 61 total tackles for the season and added 12 quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, and one fumble recovery.

Honors for Johnson in 2001 included third-team All-America by Football News magazine, fourth-team All-America by The Sporting News, and first-team All-SEC selection by The Associated Press.