WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. — Redshirt freshman defensive back DeMontay Johnson has been named the West Liberty University Hilltopper of the Week following a standout performance in the Hilltoppers' 41-38 Mountain East Conference victory at West Virginia State.

Johnson turned in the best defensive performance of his young career Saturday, recording a career-high eight tackles and two sacks while also forcing a fumble and breaking up two passes.

The 5-foot-9, 180-pound defensive back made his biggest impact in a critical stretch of the game when his forced fumble helped set up an Aidan Grella field goal, keeping the Hilltoppers within striking distance as they battled back from an early deficit. West Liberty ultimately erased the Yellow Jackets' lead and rallied for the 41-38 overtime victory.

Johnson has emerged as one of the Hilltoppers' top playmakers in the secondary through the first six games of the season. He has recorded 26 total tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble, one interception and nine passes defended. His 26 tackles rank fifth on the team, while his four sacks are tied for second.

His work in pass coverage has been particularly impressive. Johnson's nine passes defended lead the Mountain East Conference, as does his average of 1.50 passes defended per game. His conference-leading total includes eight pass breakups and his interception from West Liberty's season-opening matchup against Walsh.

Johnson has been a consistent contributor throughout the Hilltoppers' five-game winning streak. He opened the season with six tackles and an interception against Walsh, followed with six tackles and a half-sack against Seton Hill, then added two tackles against Frostburg State, four tackles and 1.5 sacks against Concord and his career-best eight tackles and two sacks at West Virginia State.

The DeLand, Fla., native's performance against the Yellow Jackets came in a game that saw West Liberty rally from a 14-point deficit to improve to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in MEC play. The Hilltoppers have won five consecutive games after dropping their season opener to Walsh.

Johnson's emergence has been an important part of a West Liberty defense that has produced 16 sacks and four interceptions through six games. The Hilltoppers have also forced five fumbles during their 5-1 start.



West Liberty University blends a small-town environment with a comprehensive college experience, fostering students' aspirations through hands-on learning, personalized support, and unique academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Learn more at westliberty.edu.