Johnson did not have much an impact as a freshman, but started to show his potential as a sophomore. He had 23 tackles, 8.5 for loss, and four sacks in 2005. He put it all together playing opposite Quentin Moses this year, as he had 44 tackles, 19 for loss, and 9.5 sacks on the year, earning all SEC 2nd team honors.
Johnson is a very good all around defensive end. He is a solid athlete that gets constant penetration, and shows the burst to get to the quarterback. His best asset is his ability to hold his ground and stop the run. He has a low center of gravity, uses his hands well, and has the strength to control blockers at the point of attack. He has the ability to play end in both a 4-3 or 3-4 defense.
Johnson can get into the backfield, but he may lack the explosiveness to be a force as a pass rusher off the edge in a 4-3. He also lacks ideal height, at just over 6'2.
Charles Johnson is a player that may never be a superstar, but his ability to stop the run and apply pressure will make him a valuable member of some teams defensive line. His all around talent is attractive, and he may even be able to pack on more weight and shift inside to defensive tackle down the road. He should hear his name called in the Top 50 at some point.