Western Carolina University

PRONUNCIATION: Dejon (DAY-zjon) DeCruz (duh-CRUISE)

2020-21 (Sophomore): Saw action in eight of the team’s nine games on the season, each coming as a reserve on defense and on special teams … Finished the season with seven total tackles including six solo stops … Recorded a career-high three tackles in the season-opener at Liberty (Nov. 14) … Credited with two tackles at Furman (Feb. 20), also receiving a kickoff against the Paladins.

2019 (Freshman): Played in 11 of WCU’s 12 seasonal games, each coming as a defensive reserve and on special teams … Credited with eight total tackles including two solo stops … Made his collegiate debut on the road against FBS foe, N.C. State (Sept. 7), recording a then career-best two tackles … Matched that career-high of two stops with a pair of tackles at The Citadel (Oct. 12) and at VMI (Nov. 2).

Prior to Western Carolina: Four-year varsity letter winner, two-time All-Triangle 6 Conference selection on defense collecting Tri-6 Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior … Finished his career with 337 career tackles including 70 solo stops and 13.5 sacks … Recorded four career interceptions, two coming as a senior ... High school coach was Cory Lea.

Personal: Full name is Dejon Nazir DeCruz … Is the son of Neira DeCruz and Chris Johnson … Has a younger sister, Crystal Johnson … Was born in Birmingham, Ala.