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Cleveland Linebacker Cincere Johnson Named National Defensive Player of the Year

1/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Cincere Johnson, a linebacker from Cleveland Glenville, was named the All-USA National Defensive Player of the Year.
He is a four-star recruit and the No. 3 linebacker nationally, with 185 tackles and 13.5 sacks this senior season.
His performance led Cleveland Glenville to a Division IV State Championship.
The award comes as Ohio State faces a challenging Cotton Bowl.

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Story summary

Cincere Johnson, a linebacker from Cleveland Glenville, was named the All-USA National Defensive Player of the Year.
He is a four-star recruit and the No. 3 linebacker nationally, with 185 tackles and 13.5 sacks this senior season.
His performance led Cleveland Glenville to a Division IV State Championship.
The award comes as Ohio State faces a challenging Cotton Bowl.