KSR – Hour 2 (September 23, 2025)

Hosts: Drew Franklin, Ryan Lemon

Special Guest: Dennis Johnson

Location: KS Bar and Grill
Episode Theme:
A lively conversation covering the football and basketball legacy of Dennis Johnson and his family, their profound impact on Kentucky sports, funny personal anecdotes, and insights into the current UK football and basketball programs—including Dennis’s son Jasper’s journey.

Overview

This episode is a deep dive into the past, present, and future of Kentucky sports through the lens of Dennis Johnson—a Kentucky football legend, now coach and father to rising UK basketball freshman Jasper Johnson. Hosts Drew Franklin and Ryan Lemon guide Dennis through reminiscences, untold stories, and candid evaluations, creating a rich, engaging hour for fans of UK sports and storytelling alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Johnson Family Football Origins

[03:57–12:26]

• Starting Young:
  Dennis and his brother Derek began playing varsity football at Harrodsburg High—remarkably, while in the 2nd and 3rd grades.
  • “My man played varsity football when he was in the second grade.” – Ryan Lemon [06:13]
  • “Absolutely true… Me and my brother rode our bikes with our pads on… we had to do triple sessions.” – Dennis Johnson [06:46]
• Hardcore Upbringing:
  Their father, legendary coach Elvis Johnson, was extremely demanding, requiring toughness and focus.
  • “My dad was like, ‘Get up and don’t be soft.’” – Dennis Johnson [07:44]
• Impact on Kentucky Sports Rules:
  Their early play led to the KHSAA enacting a rule preventing non-high-schoolers from playing varsity, colloquially known as “the Dennis and Derek Johnson rule.”
  • “So because of you, the KHSAA implemented… you can’t play varsity football until you get in high school.” – Ryan Lemon [08:09]

2. Growing Up Highly Recruited

[08:35–15:47]

• Spotlight as Kids:
  As kids, recruiters like Rick Smith (UK) would be shocked to learn Dennis was barely in fourth grade.
  • “What are your plans next year, big guy? …Go to fifth grade, go to elementary school, maybe go to the park, go to Kings Island.” – Dennis Johnson [09:22]
• Competitiveness and Household:
  The Johnson household was constantly competitive—games, fights, and sports with many future D1 athletes.
  • “My parents were so great because… we basketball in the kitchen… Everything was competitive.” – Dennis Johnson [10:50]
  • “Dennis Johnson, Derek Johnson, Julius Yeast, Jay Parks, Craig Yeast, all played major Division 1 football…” – Ryan Lemon [11:23]
• Harrodsburg Pride:
  The small town’s dominance drew big-time recruiters and even caused some locals to skip family playoff games to see Harrodsburg play.
• Big-Time Recruitment Tales:
  Programs like Miami, Notre Dame, Colorado and Florida recruited Dennis; even Steve Spurrier and Charlie Strong visited Harrodsburg.
  • “Him and Charlie come in… we talk for four or five hours… and then go to Lexington, spend a night and get out of Dodge.” – Dennis Johnson [13:05]

3. Committing to Kentucky—Legendary Decision Day

[13:22–16:18]

• Snowstorm Commitment:
  On signing day, a snowstorm nearly kept friends and media from attending, but Dennis picked UK.
  • “If that Big SOB does not pick Kentucky, I’m gonna smack him when I get there.” – Ryan Lemon [14:12]
• Temptation from Elite Programs:
  Dennis describes glamorous visits and the draw of Miami and Notre Dame. Ultimately, the decision was about home and family.
  • “In my heart of heart, man, I was Kentucky through and through and that’s what made the decision.” – Dennis Johnson [15:09]
• Peer Pressure from Friends:
  • “That’s why I picked Kentucky. So Ryan Lemon wouldn’t body slam me.” – Dennis Johnson [15:50]

4. UK Football—From the Inside Out

[20:47–28:39]

• Parental Coaching:
  • Iconic Story: Elvis Johnson coaching in a hotel room before a game, using Dennis’s mother as a demonstration offensive lineman.
    • “She was a football tackling dummy for about 10 minutes.” – Dennis Johnson [21:30]
  • Grandparent Softening: Compared to his strict dad, Dennis notes Elvis Johnson mellowed as a grandparent.
    • “When he got the grandkids, man, he switched... Jasper and Skylar could do no wrong.” – Dennis Johnson [22:36]
• Thoughts on UK Football’s Past/Present:
  • At the time of his recruitment, UK was not a powerhouse; going there was about building something and maximizing playing time.
    • “Go somewhere you can play... practice is one thing, but you need to get game reps if you want to be a pro.” – Dennis Johnson [24:30]
  • Approves of current team’s grit, sees promise in the offense and need for a consistent, strong passing game to support the defense.
    • “I think Cutter... gives our offense the best chance to have some success.” – Dennis Johnson [25:32]
• SEC Realignment:
  Mentions the challenge for Kentucky now that Oklahoma and Texas are in the SEC, making recruiting even more intense.

5. Looking Back: UK Football Memories

[26:53–29:01]

• Hostile Road Games:
  Dennis recalls the intensity of playing South Carolina and other top SEC venues.
  • “It was probably one of the louder environments I’ve been into.” – Dennis Johnson [26:59]
• Keys for 2025 Season Success:
  • “Hopefully they’ve given Cutter the keys... just give it to him and let him go. Then you evaluate at the end of the year.” – Dennis Johnson [27:52]
  • On wide receivers: “We need a 1-2 combination... I’m looking for Furrier to step up.” [28:17]

6. Johnson Family: Food, Traditions & Basketball

[29:18–37:00]

• Sunday Dinners:
  Legendary meals at the Johnson house after college games.
  • “It was like a Thanksgiving feast for 20 people. And there were like six of us there. And guess how much was left? None.” – Ryan Lemon [30:18]
  • “She’s a cooker, man... you were never, like, you never wanted more.” – Dennis Johnson [31:13]
• Jasper Johnson's Journey:
  Discussing Jasper’s growth—transferring schools, learning discipline, maturing as a player and person.
  • “I think Link [Academy] was probably the best thing for him because the first two weeks, he wanted to come home... I think failure is good for all kids.” – Dennis Johnson [32:37]
  • Dennis’s philosophy: Lean into struggle, let Jasper figure things out, and don’t hover as a parent.
  • Family Support: Jasper and his sister now live together; Dennis tries to let him operate independently, but notes he occasionally sneaks home for meals and basics.
• Basketball Jersey Story:
  Jasper honored his dad’s (almost) two-sport status by using a Dennis Johnson basketball jersey at his UK commitment.
  • “That was probably the one regret I have as an adult, not being able to just go out there and play [basketball at UK].” – Dennis Johnson [35:21]
• Parenting Approach:
  • “You just gotta go out there... every day is a new day. It’s a job interview. You got to find a way to get minutes.” – Dennis Johnson [39:36]

7. Outlook for Jasper at UK Basketball

[37:48–40:25]

• First Impressions as a Wildcat:
  • Early feedback from friends and former players is positive.
    • “Text me yesterday... he’s shooting it pretty well.” – Dennis Johnson (on Jasper) [37:48]
  • Focus is on adaptation, routine, and handling the mental pressure of major college sports.
• Skills and Role:
  • Jasper can play point or shooting guard, has “chameleon” adaptability, and reads teammates well.
• Physical Toughness:
  • “He obviously played up... but now, I mean, the SEC’s got some grown men...Is he ready to make that big jump?” – Drew Franklin [39:36]
  • “I think you gotta play it a lot. You gotta play a lot. Even when he was young... play with the old guys and get bumped and knocked around. This is different, right, but you just gotta get used to it.” – Dennis Johnson [39:52]

8. Rapid-Fire: Listener Stories, Road Trips, and Coaching Life

[43:41–49:02]

• Listener Memories:
  Texts mention Dennis dominating at youth sports from an early age—he jokes about playing several age levels in a week.
  • “Me and my brothers used to play youth, middle school, freshman and high school all in the same week.” – Dennis Johnson [43:58]
• SEC Road Trips:
  LSU (Baton Rouge) night games declared the most special and intimidating.
  • “LSU was the year we beat ‘em... that was a crazy night... probably my all time favorite trip as a freshman.” – Dennis Johnson [46:13]
  • Hilarious story about losing (and regaining) $500 in a bet after a wild ending to a Kentucky-LSU game.
• NFL & Coaching Journey:
  Dennis recounts his NFL stints with the Cardinals and 49ers, a brief sojourn in Canada, and transition into coaching.
  • “After Canada, that was end of my football career.” – Dennis Johnson [48:24]
• Woodford County Coaching:
  Now in his 11th year coaching Woodford County, Dennis aims for state championships, touting the strong community vibe and atmosphere.
  • “We’ve upped the ante in Sports county, so it’s a good time.” – Dennis Johnson [48:41]
• Funny Coaching Memories:
  (At Jesse Clark Middle School) Ryan’s son Gavin was compared to “Atlas” for his athleticism, paired on the D-line with eventual Alabama/first-round NFL pick Jedrick Wills.

9. Closing: Reflections and Legacy

[50:06–end]

• Family Ties:
  Ryan reflects on his decades-long relationship with the Johnson family and their impact on the local community and himself.
• Classic Footage:
  Dennis recalls looking into the camera before a high school title game and dedicating it to his father—a moment still remembered.
  • “You looked right in our camera and said, ‘I’m gonna win this for my daddy.’” – Ryan Lemon [50:31]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “My man played varsity football when he was in the second grade.” – Ryan Lemon [06:13]
• “Get up and don’t be soft and be tougher and stuff. So we kind of had to go the hard way.” – Dennis Johnson [07:44]
• “My parents were so great because we basketball in the kitchen, and we always slapping our hands on the walls, having to get the walls painted. But my mom and dad let us do it.” – Dennis Johnson [10:50]
• “She was, she was a football tackling dummy for about 10 minutes.” – Dennis Johnson (on his mom) [21:30]
• “When he got the grandkids, man, he switched... Jasper and Skylar could do no wrong in his eyes.” – Dennis Johnson (on his father as a grandparent) [22:36]
• “You just got to go out there…every day is a new day. It’s a job interview. You got to find a way to get minutes.” – Dennis Johnson [39:36]
• “I always have a bad memory of that (LSU game), I got fined and [my friend] Tripp took my money back.” – Dennis Johnson [47:08]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Welcome, guest intro: [03:35]
• Dennis Johnson’s youth football stories: [06:13–08:26]
• Spotlight and recruiting as a kid: [08:35–12:26]
• Big-name college recruitment / Commitment day stories: [13:05–15:50]
• UK football legacy, parental coaching: [20:47–22:17]
• Grandparenting shift, UK defensive legacy: [22:36–23:38]
• Current Kentucky football analysis: [25:32–28:39]
• Johnson family dinners; Jasper’s development and move into UK basketball: [29:18–32:37]
• Jasper Johnson’s role, adapting to college basketball: [37:48–40:25]
• Listener stories & SEC road trips: [43:41–46:45]
• NFL/Pro ball and transition to coaching: [47:35–49:02]
• Closing thanks and legacy reflection: [50:06–50:37]

Tone and Atmosphere

The tone is warm, humorous, and rich in personal anecdotes, blending reverence for Kentucky sports with down-to-earth storytelling and quick-witted banter—especially between Ryan Lemon and Dennis Johnson. Nostalgia and pride mix with honest assessments and candid advice for young athletes, making the episode both entertaining and insightful.

For listeners seeking a blend of sports nostalgia, behind-the-scenes stories, and future-facing analysis—tied together by the legacy of a Kentucky football family—this episode is a must-listen.