Gerrand Johnson wanted out of Louisiana.

The Louisiana State High School Athletic Association had just stripped his Rayville High team of it 2010 playoff birth, leaving Johnson with a bad taste in his mouth.

Although committed to play for ULM, he decided it was time to move on and opened his recruitment back up.

“It had nothing to do with ULM, but I needed a change of scenery,” Johnson said.

A standout defensive line prospect, Johnson had his pick of locales. He decided to head north, choosing the University of Missouri.

But something happened along the way. As he was settling into life as a Mizzou Tiger, Johnson couldn’t help but wonder what he was leaving behind back in Monroe.

Johnson developed a friendship with Warhawks receiver Tyler Cain, another local product from West Monroe, as they navigated the precarious road of college football recruiting. The two kept in touch on Facebook, and that bond helped bring Johnson home.

“We stayed in constant contact,” Johnson said. “I thought to myself I should be down there grinding with him and trying to put our hometown college team on the map.”

Johnson hadn’t forgotten about the Warhawks. And they certainly hadn’t forgotten about him.

“I always believed that part of him was a Warhawk,” head coach Todd Berry said. “Sometimes you need to go away to confirm your true feelings and that’s what happened with Gerrand.”

Johnson sat out the 2011 season due to the NCAA’s transfer rules, but was able to redshirt and preserve a year of eligibility. He immediately found a home at nose guard and a mentor in fellow lineman Kentarius Caldwell.

From Caldwell, Johnson received a crash course in defensive line play. It’s the little things like technique, positioning and film study that make the biggest difference in the trenches.

Johnson began the year as the starting nose guard, but the need for a more consistent pass rush prompted the coaches to move Caldwell from defensive end inside to nose.

The move was short-lived. ULM lost Caldwell for the season against Middle Tennessee State, moving Johnson back into the starting lineup.

It doesn’t look like he’ll be coming out anytime soon either. Against Western Kentucky, Johnson introduced himself to Warhawk fans, dominating the line of scrimmage with 10 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. He followed that up by leading ULM in tackles the next week against South Alabama.

The little things are paying off for Johnson. But he’s focused on the big picture. Win the next three games, and the Warhawks are Sun Belt champions.

“It’s all about team,” Johnson said. “I’m trying to be the best I can for this team to succeed.”