Ernie Johnson (1999) - Hall of Fame

Ernie Johnson

Induction:
1999

Ernie Johnson entered UCLA in 1946 and wound up his college football career in 1949 after four brilliant years on the gridiron for the Bruins. He also competed in basketball and rugby, playing on the 1948-49 and 1949-50 basketball team and the 1948 rugby squad. As a freshman under Coach Bert LaBrucherie, Johnson led the Rose Bowl Bruins with 42 points from his left halfback position and also led the Bruin defense with 6 interceptions. In 1948, he tallied 24 points to rank second. In 1949, Johnson took over the tailback duties in Coach Red Sanders’ single wing attack. He scored 42 points, passed for five touchdowns and led the Bruins in kick-off and punt returns. Johnson remains UCLA’s career leader in punt returns with a 13.7 yard/return average. Upon graduating, Johnson occupied fourth place in the all-time UCLA rushing list, carrying the ball 265 times for 1093 yds. Johnson received the following honors while at UCLA: 1946 All-Coast Third Team; 1948 All-Coast Third Team; 1949 All-Coast First Team and All-American Honorable Mention. Johnson also won UCLA Most Valuable Player honors in 1948 and 1949 and played in the 1949 East-West Shrine Game. Johnson was drafted in the 10^th round by the Philadelphia Eagles.