Johnson goes to Arizona

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Dorian Johnson is headed west, as the Pitt offensive lineman was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft Saturday.

Johnson went to the Cardinals with overall pick No. 115 - just five spots shy of the last Pitt offensive lineman to be drafted. That was T.J. Clemmings, who was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with pick No. 110 in the 2015 Draft.

A five-star prospect out of Belle Vernon Area High School, Johnson was the No. 2 offensive tackle prospect nationally in the class of 2013 and chose Pitt over offers from just about everywhere. He began his Pitt career as a left tackle and made two starts in his freshman year at that spot before shifting inside to right guard for the Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl, which was his third start of the season.

Johnson was very green at that point in his career, but he grew up in a hurry, and that bowl game marked the beginning of a stretch that saw him start 40 consecutive games. The last 39 starts all came at left guard.

In 2016, Johnson was named a first-team All-American by four outlets: the American Football Coaches Association, ESPN.com, SI.com and Sporting News. He was also a first-team All-ACC selection this year and was named to the all-conference second team in 2015.

Johnson was also a recipient of the Panther Award which, according to Pitt’s website, is “presented to the senior student-athletes who have best promoted Pitt through their outstanding athletic achievements.” As a recipient of the Panther Award, Johnson’s name will be engraved on the Varsity Walk that connects the Cathedral of Learning with Heinz Chapel.

Johnson is the eighth Pitt offensive lineman to be drafted in the last 15 years, joining Bryan Anderson (Chicago, 2003 7th round), Rob Pettiti (Dallas, 2005 6th round), Charles Spencer (Houston, 2006 3rd round), Jeff Otah (Carolina, 2008 1st round), Mike McGlynn (Philadelphia, 2008 4th round), Jason Pinkston (Cleveland, 2011 5th round) and Clemmings.