2025-09-23- KSR - Hour 2

Summary

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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.

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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.

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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.

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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.

Transcript

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[Ryan Lemon]

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[Drew Franklin]

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[Matt Jones]

Sports radio presented by Stockton Mortgage. Now here's Matt Jones.

[Drew Franklin]

This is not Matt Jones. This is Drew Franklin. You're welcome. I'm with Ryan Lemon and special guest Dennis Johnson joining us at KS bar and Grill. We're excited to have Dennis. Ryan, you booked a big guest today. I'm very, very proud of you. You even said you're going to tell some stories.

[Ryan Lemon]

I've got some great Dennis Johnson stories I want to great story. Oh, man, I looked at your schedule. Woodford county schedule. You're off this week.

[Dennis Johnson]

We are.

[Ryan Lemon]

I thought, man, this is a perfect time to get you in to talk a little UK football, talk a little Jasper Johnson basketball and wofo. We'll give you jackets shout out.

[Dennis Johnson]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Ryan Lemon]

So you look good, man. Look good. Proud of you.

[Dennis Johnson]

Appreciate it, man. Pretty much. Y' all have me on. You guys do a good job. I try to listen when I can. And so you guys have a lot of fans in Wolford county in the state, man, so.

[Ryan Lemon]

Well, Jasper came in one day this summer and did a great job. Yeah. Oh, you came in. You were here that day. You were that day too. Yeah. It was really good.

[Drew Franklin]

Eric side to have him here. We should like break it up. Well, maybe we'll do you want to go football first, basketball first, Johnson legacy first. You can get these stories out of the way. Wofo's killing it early in their season. Which way you want to go? Or I could start with telling you about Don Franklin.

[Ryan Lemon]

How about I do that?

[Drew Franklin]

Maybe we'll do that while you think about the direction you want to lead with. It's fourth quarter. You need options. And there's 28 stores and over 6,000 vehicles across the Bluegrass. This makes absolutely no sense. Across the bluegrass trucks.

[Dennis Johnson]

What?

[Drew Franklin]

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[Ryan Lemon]

Like maybe just typical grammatically correct sentences.

[Drew Franklin]

I might even tweet this one out.

[Matt Jones]

Random numbers in there that make no sense. Like it's. Yeah, it's not easy reading these things. It's barely English.

[Drew Franklin]

All right. Anyway, we do love Don Franklin. Sorry I butchered that ad read, but we're in the family, Don. I apologize. Don franklinauto.com you all know the drill. Check them out. Been good to ksr. We have love and remotes there. We also love having Dennis Johnson. Did you. Did you all pick football or basketball?

[Ryan Lemon]

I've got three good.

[Drew Franklin]

Dennis Johnson, you have the floor.

[Ryan Lemon]

Let's tell. Let's tell a story and then do a football segment. Tell a story, do a basketball segment, then tell a story and do the Johnson. I love it. I love it.

[Drew Franklin]

This is your bit.

[Ryan Lemon]

Okay, I'm gonna go in. I'm gonna go in the order I think they happened. The first great Johnson story. A lot of people in Kentucky know this. My man played varsity football when he was in the second grade.

[Dennis Johnson]

Yes.

[Ryan Lemon]

True story. He's in the second grade. His brother Derek's in the third grade and they're playing high school football at Harrodsburg High School. And I heard this one great story. Somebody in your locker room with the Arizona Cardinals, like, they challenge you. Like, there's no way said, I have a second grade son. There's no way he could have played high school football and he's in second grade.

[Dennis Johnson]

Absolutely no. It was funny, man. Once the guys found out and that was the year Emmy and Alice came. And so once they found out, we were about to go out to practice one day, and all the guys, like, circle around like, dude, this can't be true. And Eminem, they was like, man, come on, man. I'm like, no, it's absolutely true. So they did some research, and they were like. It was like a topic of discussion for the whole year. It was like, every time it seemed like, dawg, ain't no way. I'm like, oh, it's a way. Me and my brother rode our bikes. Practice started, you know, when you had triple sessions. Practice started at 6:01am My dad would leave at 4 to get down there. He's always an early riser. So me and my brother ride our bikes with our pads on. And if we were late, we had to run. And so we had to do triple sessions. No going to the city pool. We had practice again, and then we had another practice. And so, yeah, yeah, that was. That was. That was the life in the Johnson household as young kids. But we didn't know any different, so we just. We went with it.

[Drew Franklin]

I was like collecting Ninja Turtles in second grade.

[Dennis Johnson]

No cartoons for us, none of that.

[Drew Franklin]

What was it like for the other guys who are much older than you and say you just put them on their butt? Like, how just demoralizing was that to get hit by a second grader?

[Dennis Johnson]

Well, for the most part, it was the other way around because he would put us up against the best guys and they would knock our heads off. And my dad was like, get up and don't be soft and be tougher and stuff. So we kind of had to go the hard way. He wouldn't put us up against the guys who probably we could have matched up against. Most of the time, we were the scout team guys versus the first team guys. And we had to do everything we could to survive. But, you know, my dad had no. He didn't take any shorts. And it was always, be tougher, be stronger, be better. Don't be, you know, soft. And so that's kind of how we grew up.

[Ryan Lemon]

So because of you, the KHSAA implemented what I've always called the Dennis and Derrick Johnson rule, where you can't play varsity football until you get in high school, Right?

[Dennis Johnson]

Absolutely.

[Ryan Lemon]

They made the rule because of you guys.

[Dennis Johnson]

And there's some kids, you know, we have kids that, man, eighth graders want to play. I'm like, guys, I'm sorry. We just, you know, because of my father.

[Ryan Lemon]

Right.

[Dennis Johnson]

God rest kids who are now 67 and 6 7. You've seen all those videos. They got to play middle School until they get in high school in the state of Kentucky.

[Ryan Lemon]

So that's the first Dennis Johnson story played when he's in the second grade for Harrisburg High School.

[Drew Franklin]

Not that you were just out there and this. This is a little more after second grade, but, I mean, you were getting a lot of attention at a young age. Leave aside. Just out there hitting people. What was that like, having a spotlight on you when you're still truly just a kid?

[Dennis Johnson]

Well, it's funn. What was Coach Smith's name? He's the coach DB of the uk. He came to recruit some of our guys. Rick Smith. We had a ton of guys, coaches out there, and I remember him going in before the game, talking to my dad. I was like, we like that kid. You know, I was tall. He was like. When I was like, oh, yeah. He's like, in fourth grade. He was like, what the. What's going on? So, you know, and I'm young at the time, so I'm like, no, no, no. I'm like, I'm too young to go to college. Like, yeah, what are your plans next year, big guy? I'm like, they go to fifth grade, go to elementary school, maybe go to the park, go to Kings Island. You know what I'm saying?

[Ryan Lemon]

Ride my bike to practice.

[Dennis Johnson]

That's it. So it was. No, it was funny. But now we had a good time with it. Like I said we were. My brother and I had a chance to be in the spotlight for a long time, so it was kind of became kind of, you know, common thread after a while. But I always tell people this now. My dad was so hard on us. You remember ESPN Scholastics? I remember they follow us around for, like, a whole week. And I'm like, why are they following us around? We're not that good. Because my dad was just so hard. If you made 20 tackles, it was three tackles you didn't make or the three blocks you didn't make. But he would harp on. So even for a long time, I'm like, I don't know. All these people are, like, following us because we're not really, like, we're not that good. You know what I'm saying? Like, we're not that good. And the first time I kind of knew, he took us to a camp somewhere. It might have been in New York or something. Like, one camp, me, Craig, all of us. And we all get, like, top kids in camp. And everybody's like, where are you guys from? Harrisburg was like, harrisburg, Pennsylvania was like, no, no, Harrisburg, Kentucky was like, no, There is no, like, football in Kentucky. Like, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. By this time, I'm, you know, seventh, eighth grade. I'm like, all these guys, you know, you start hearing about ratings, and this guy's ranked the 10th best O lineman, and we're like, killing these guys. I'm like, oh, this is easy. We've been doing this for a long time. But it was so funny. All those kids was like, you guys got to be from Pennsylvania. Like, there's Pennsylvania has good high school football, but not, like, Kentucky. Harrisburg. I'm like, no, Harrisburg, Kentucky. It was funny. So now had a lot of good stories. Growing up with football, I mean, the.

[Drew Franklin]

Football was obviously covered, and it's a, you know, legend around here. But were you and your brother just competitive at everything? Did y' all just always fight or something in the backyard or whatever it was? It's just always head.

[Dennis Johnson]

And I tell parents this all the time. 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. Me and my brother fought in the background. We always had a lot of people over. Craig and Julius and Jay, Paul, all those guys. And it was. Everything was competitive. We ping pong table downstairs, we had a big Contra video game, the real big video game. And then we had a. On the other part of the basement, you've been down, there was a whole basketball court with a mini hoop. And so it was some competitive times. People getting knocked into the walls, people fist fighting. It was a lot of that growing up, but it made us who we were, though.

[Ryan Lemon]

He just mentioned five guys. Dennis Johnson, Derek Johnson, Julius Yeast, Jay Parks, Craig Yeast, all played major Division 1 football out of Harrisburg High School. Jason Dunn before them. When the NFL. I mean, it's amazing that school at that time, you guys produced five major Division 1 football players.

[Dennis Johnson]

Crazy. Now with some. Some of those Friday nights, I'm gonna forget. This is probably eight, nine years ago, I met a guy, some game or something. He said, man, if you're. I'm gonna tell you this story, but if you ever told anybody, I would. I would. I would say you're a liar. He's like, my. My grandson was playing in a playoff football game, whatever round of playoffs. But I came to Herzberg because you guys had Philip, former Bobby Bell, and all of them. You know, he should fly to helicopters. And he's like, I just wanted to see those guys. And so I missed my grandson's game to come and see you guys play. So if you ever tell that story, I'll never forget the guy told me the story. So it was some, some legendary stories in times of Harrisburg, back in those.

[Drew Franklin]

Days, you mentioned people not knowing Harrodsburg. You all certainly put it on the map. And then after your high school career, even during your high school career, you, you know, we all know you end up Kentucky. But some big time schools coming to visit, huh?

[Dennis Johnson]

No, it was good. You know, we had, you know, my final were Miami, Notre Dame, I think Colorado was in there at the time, Florida. So I had a whole bunch of guys, those guys. I remember coming to the basketball games and my dad having a section on for all those guys. And it was, it was crazy times because you think about little community, 7,000 people and all these guys constantly. I mean, it was just a madhouse for a year, I would say, you know, for those guys. But it was good for our community. Got to see a lot of people, but it was definitely fun.

[Drew Franklin]

So when Steve Spurrier comes to visit, you know, I love Harrodsburg, but it might be a little eye opening to him from being down there. What's a Steve Spurrier visit like? Is he in and out or is he spending the night at a bed and breakfast? Is he going out to eat?

[Dennis Johnson]

I think he was in and out. Probably stayed in Lexington. But he came over, came to the house. Him and Charlie Strong was with him.

[Ryan Lemon]

Oh, yeah.

[Dennis Johnson]

So him and Charlie come in and we talk for four or five hours and hang out and they eat and all that sort of stuff. And then I guess they hit the. Hit the bypass and go to Lexington, spend a night and get out of Dodge.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah, I gotta tell him my second dis.

[Drew Franklin]

Johnson tell them all.

[Ryan Lemon]

The night before he makes it, he's gonna commit on signing day, make the big announcement in his high school gym. The night before is when Lexington had the famous dusting of snow that snowed a foot of snow overnight. And his announcement in Harrodsburg is the next morning. So Gary Johnson and I got on the car, got in the car. The snow is not covered, has not been removed from the road. You can't see if you're on the road or not. We're watching the guard grail on the side of the road to make sure we're still in concrete. They closed the Bluegrass Parkway while we were on the Bluegrass Parkway. But we're out. We're on it already. So we kept going like 10 miles an hour and get to Harrisburg. And I remember telling Gary Johnson, if that Big SOB does not pick Kentucky. I'm gonna smack him when I get there.

[Dennis Johnson]

I'm gonna tell you a great story. So the night before we played in South Laurel, I forgot the head coach. I signed him a few weeks ago. So I'm taking in this packed house with Julius and myself. We got a good team, and so it's packed in there, and I'm taking the ball bounds, and this guy grabs my. Grabs my jersey.

[Ryan Lemon]

He's like, this is during a basketball game.

[Dennis Johnson]

He said, if you. I need to know you're going so bad, I'll give you $500. I'm like, what? And I'm, you know, I'm a kid. I'm like, throwing the ball like it's, you know, attack me. And then after the game, so many people surrounded me. The bus leaves me. And so after going, coaches often he calls my dad because he had one of those big old saved by the bell phones, like, you left one of your players. He was like, who? Like your son, you know, so he had to come back and get me because I couldn't get away. Like, the bus had already gone. But it was a crazy story. And it took us, I don't know, three or four hours to get home. And then the next morning, we woke up, and it was a madhouse.

[Ryan Lemon]

Now, I remember you saying that morning when you made the commitment and I believed you. You said you really didn't know till you woke up that morning. And then when your dad came in, Elvis comes in to get you up. He goes, dad, where's my Kentucky head?

[Dennis Johnson]

I was a huge Miami fan, and my favorite team was always Notre Dame. And so I always had. Felt like a champion today. And so I had, you know, I had, like, Edwin James on my visit at Miami. So we had a great time. I had Javon Kershaw. I mean, I had all the tops of the tops guys. And so it was a tough decision because I wanted to go to one of those three schools. And so just in my heart of heart, man, I was Kentucky threw and through. And that was. That's what made the decision.

[Drew Franklin]

Can only imagine that visit to the U. Probably got to see the library and keep all the study hall and meet your tutors. You know, just how close realistically were you to picking one of those other schools that you love so much? Was Ryan ever in jeopardy of risking his life to go to a commitment center?

[Ryan Lemon]

I would have body slammed you if you didn't pick Kentucky.

[Dennis Johnson]

That's why I picked Kentucky. So Ryan Lemon, right? We're A good friend. So I didn't want to give body slam by Ryan. So you can't work. You can't. But no, I did. I mean I, Butch Davis was a coach at Miami and so went down there, actually went down there a few times and just, you know, as an 18 year old kid coming from Harrisburg, getting to see all that and hanging out with all those celebrities and went to the club with Bubba Franks and all those guys and went to Luke's club. I mean we was all over the place, man. And so everybody knew who you were. It was, it was, it was very, it was very tempting.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, it's amazing. Still got that commitment. We'll take a break. We want to hear more about Kentucky football. You, you there in your days and then the current state and of course we got to hear what the expectations of Jasper practice ramped up yesterday. So we want to hear a little bit about that too. It's Drew Ryan and Dennis Johnson. We're at KS Bar. We'll be right back.

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[Drew Franklin]

Welcome back to KSR. Drew Franklin, Ryan Lemon at KS Bar and Grill with our special guest Dennis Johnson. Before we get back to him and Ryan thought of even more stories during the break. Shannon, who has this segment brought our.

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[Drew Franklin]

I. I think our listeners need cornbread. After my Don Franklin read, I was just saying words. I went back and looked at it. I mean it's, it's a lot going on in there. I feel bad. Am I gonna, am I gonna get fired? Ryan, no.

[Ryan Lemon]

I mean I like you. I think they put it in AI and let AI spit it out. No, they don't proof it and then they just send it to you.

[Drew Franklin]

There's a lot going on in there.

[Ryan Lemon]

A lot going on in there.

[Drew Franklin]

Shout out Don Franklin. Also shout out Dennis Johnson. We're going to keep this moving. You'll stay on football a little bit. You look like you perked up with some more stories there, so I'm just going to pass it off to you again, Ryan.

[Ryan Lemon]

Okay, so we've got him from Harrodsburg to uk.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, let's just do the timeline.

[Ryan Lemon]

Okay, he's at UK and there's this great story where Dennis has mentioned his dad, Elvis Alvis is one of the most great, maybe one of the greatest football coaches ever in this state ever. And very well respected. And so you guys, I believe you're on the road at Florida.

[Dennis Johnson]

Yes.

[Ryan Lemon]

And it's game day and you guys are stopped at the hotel room. Your dad says, come into my room. So you and Derek go to the hotel room and he starts doing some coaching in the hotel room and uses your mom as the offensive lineman. Stand up, Rosetta. And you showing you what to do to get around an offensive lineman.

[Dennis Johnson]

Right.

[Ryan Lemon]

Putting your hands on your mama. Well, not, not like that, but you know, like showing what to do.

[Dennis Johnson]

She was, she was a football tackling dummy for about 10 minutes and he had no regard, you know, he was in football mode and once he's in football mode, he's in. My dad was. And now people know that. A lot of. A few sides of my dad, but he's probably one of the most competitive people and he, he doesn't like er and he wants you to be successful. Every single player. Now. I don't think I had a sack for a game or two and he just was getting pretty irritated. So he had to, he had to give me his side of the coaching, what he thought I needed to do or me and my brother to be successful. And so my mom was the only object in the room. Thus take off your, your earrings real fast. Put your hand straight out. And so he just had to get his, he had to get it off his chest before he walked out, before he walked down, up into the room.

[Ryan Lemon]

Dad had off. Had to be. Put the coach hat off a little bit.

[Dennis Johnson]

Yep, we got that a lot.

[Drew Franklin]

I, I gotta ask if he changed a little bit because Tyler Thompson wrote a good story on your whole family for our website months ago. But it seemed grandpa might have been a little different than dad because Jasper was talking about him Getting him shoes and look good, play good, feel good. Did you see a shift in the attitude when he went from dad to grandpa?

[Dennis Johnson]

I mean, a super duper, duper shift. Like, I was just telling stories of one of the two times he really got on him. But the other times he was. I mean, like, he bought. I mean, he bought Jasper so many pair of. I'm like, it was. It was. I'm like, dad, I would ask you for a pair of my. 1. You're good.

[Ryan Lemon]

You got a pair.

[Dennis Johnson]

Put tape on them, put ice on it. You know what I'm saying? I'm like, man. But it switched, man. When he got the grandkids, man, he switched Skyler and Skyler and Jasper could do no wrong in his eyes, but. No, no, but they had a great relationship. And so they. Jasper, I always say this. Jasper and Skyler, Jasper and my granddad had just had some kind of, you know, real intimate bond, you know what I'm saying? That brought them close together and they spent a lot of time together. So it was definitely great.

[Ryan Lemon]

He, Elvis, never missed a game. Whether it was Skyler playing or Jasper playing or when you and Derek were playing, he never missed a game for sure. You know, I think I've always said you left UK as one of the top defensive players ever. I think Arch still you. And we gotta put Josh Allen probably in that category. How do you think when somebody puts that kind of praise on you, what.

[Dennis Johnson]

You did at uk, you know, I think it's part of the process. You know, you're blessed to be able to be in that position. And so when we went to uk, like, you know, Coach Mummy and that staff, Tim and those guys, to kind of move the needle. And so I wanted to be a part of that, man. And so I just wanted to try to do my part to help to help put UK where it is currently. And so now it's definitely how I praise those guys. I know Art and Josh, those were phenomenal players. And so just to be mentioned with those guys is definitely something. But it was great times there. And so uk, you know, growing from that stage of my life was great for me and made me into the man I am today.

[Drew Franklin]

You know, we have a lot of younger listeners because Ryan Lemon, he brings in new generations, new TikTok. So what was just like the current state of UK football when you committed, you named all these powers that you could have gone to, I'm assuming Kentucky, their records weren't quite what those were at the time. So it was a big decision for you, what was it just like when you made that?

[Dennis Johnson]

Well, I think first of all, you know, Craig was there, Han Mummy had brought this, you know, high powered offense, some excitement to UK football. My brother was there. So I knew a lot of the guys on the team, George Mack, some of those guys to go over there sometime. And so I wanted to be a part of it. Like it wasn't the tradition rich programs. And one thing my dad always told me before I made my commitment, go somewhere you can get to play practice is one thing, but you need to get game reps if you want to be a pro, you have to get game reps. And playing in the best conferences in the country, man, I said, well, you know, got a lot going for me. My dad was there, my brother was there, Craig was on his way out. But like I said, man, being a part of that and being able to, getting a chance to go out and play early, I thought was, it was a no brainer. At the end of the day when I really put all the, put everything on the table, UK was just, it was the best decision for me. And like I said, you're going to play against the best every single Saturday. And so go somewhere where when you leave, you can come back and people have respect for you. You know, you have some ties and so that was very important.

[Ryan Lemon]

You're wearing the blue today. You got a blue hat on, you got a blue pullover on. You're the head coach at Woodford County High School. So you're obviously still involved with the game. What do you see when you see this Kentucky team right now?

[Dennis Johnson]

No, I like them. I think, you know, I think offensively we had to figure some things out and I think, I think I met Zach actually one of the first days he was there. I was over there at the, at the facility and when Vince was still there and so like him. But I just think Cutter, you got more time. You know, he's a, he's a, his body, pro type body. I think he's going to throw the ball. He's not afraid to make a mistake, he's going to throw the ball. So I think he gives our long term, he gives our offense the best chance to have some success and we're already going to the belly of the beast, you know what I'm saying? So you got to be able, you know, I think our run games got better. Offensive line, I love the running back group, but I just, it's going to be hard to run for 150, 175 when we get into the heart of this SEC play, so we got to be able to throw the ball. So I like him. Defensively, I think we're always solid. I just think a lot of times we wore our defense down. And so third and fourth quarter, we give up some plays. We probably wouldn't give up early on if offense could control the ball a bit more. So, no, you know, Coach, it's tough. Every year we're in the toughest conference. And I always say, man, when you add Oklahoma and Texas, man, those are two high school rich states. And maybe in years past when they were in sec, we might be able to get a few of those kids. Well, now they can all stay home and still play in sec, so that makes it even tougher on us. You know what I'm saying? And so. But no, I like Coach Dukes. I think it's just. Like I said, it's tough, man. I said, but we just gotta. We gotta get back to the old school, grind out some games to try to win them. At the end, you have a couple.

[Drew Franklin]

Wins over South Carolina and one was down there.

[Dennis Johnson]

Yes.

[Drew Franklin]

Talk about just how tough it is to go on a road and did they have the rooster crowing back then and what that atmosphere was like?

[Dennis Johnson]

Absolutely. It was, it was, it was. It was. It was probably one of the latter environments I've been into. I remember. And it was funny, when I was playing for the Cardinals, guy got cut and so they bought another guy and he's laying on one bed and I'm on the other bed, and he was like, I'm like, I know you. He was a tackle from South Carolina when we played him. And so. But I can just remember, loud environment, crazy. It was a day game, and so we were actually able to win a game then. So we're definitely going to a hostile, which all the SEC's are, but that's one of the louder ones I can remember being into on a 12 o' clock game. And so we got our hands full, and so we just gotta be ready to go down there and play. We cannot. We just can't turn the ball over, man. If we turn the ball, we think it's disaster for us. And so what they did to us last year, I was at the game last year and it was embarrassed. That wasn't one of our better performances. So we need to go down there and get revenge.

[Ryan Lemon]

Well, there's still a lot of football left, but the schedule is, you know, pretty tough for this team. What do you think they need to do to kind of have some success now from playing on out.

[Dennis Johnson]

I think you, like you said, hopefully they've given Cutter the keys to the like win, lose a draw, just give it to him. You just got to give it to him and let him go and then you evaluate them at the end of the year. So I think that's one thing is I think he'll be able to galvanize the guys, get them all together and say they can somebody they can trust him leaving offensively again. And I think if you do that right, you're not, it's not going to be perfect. But I think you have to, you can go back and forth. I think you got to get some consistency. And so offensively, if we can just, if we can find a way right, just to ball control, get the ball out quick, make some plays, I think it helps our defense a lot. And I'm looking, I like to, I like the kid from Franklin. I'm looking for Furrier to, to step up. I think we need one of his receivers to really step up and, and be. We need a 1, 2 combination. And so I, I like the kid. I've got a chance to talk to him a few times. So I'm looking for that kid to step up and, and help us out in SEC play.

[Drew Franklin]

It's the football breakdown from a football legend. We'll switch to basketball. And I see Ryan's wheels turning, maybe with some more stories coming out.

[Ryan Lemon]

My favorite story I haven't told you.

[Drew Franklin]

It'S Drew Ryan and Dennis at ksbar.

[Ryan Lemon]

TJ Smith, personal injury attorney. Call tj. He'll make him pay.

[Matt Jones]

Now more of Kentucky Sports Radio presented by mortgage. Here's Matt Jones.

[Drew Franklin]

Welcome back to ksr. Drew Franklin filling in for Matt Jones with Ryan Lemon here beside me. We also are happy to be joined by UK legend Dennis Johnson. We're going to switch our topic with him from football to a little basketball. But first, Ryan Lemon, would you like to try to do an ad read?

[Ryan Lemon]

My ad read doesn't have the numbers in it. So I got lucky.

[Drew Franklin]

I got still haunting me. I feel like I've been benched.

[Ryan Lemon]

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[Drew Franklin]

Beautifully said, Ryan Lemon.

[Ryan Lemon]

I got one more dentist.

[Drew Franklin]

I know you do. I wish people could see. He's so excited.

[Ryan Lemon]

This is my favorite one. Okay. This is when he's playing at uk. He's at uk, Derek's at uk And I've known the family for about four or five years, and I know he's Elvis and Rosetta, there's mom and dad, and they keep talking about these Sunday afternoon dinners. Well, I invited myself. I said, well, I want to come. I want to see how you feed these boys that are college athletes. I want to come and watch this. I walk in, and Dennis will back me up on this. Rosetta had two full chickens, a full ham, mashed potatoes, dressing, corn. It was like a Thanksgiving feast for 20 people. And there were like six of us there. And guess how much was left when we finished? None. It was all gone. I have never seen a Thanksgiving dinner on a Sunday afternoon in May. It was amazing. Your mother came, killed it that day.

[Dennis Johnson]

She's a cooker, man. We used to get all those guys over. I mean, it was every day, breakfast and at least breakfast and dinner. But she was finished cleaning up the kitchen. It's time to start cooking again. And it was. You were never, like, you never wanted more. So she was. And she still does it. I have my, my over a few probably six, seven months ago. And she did. And she.

[Ryan Lemon]

She still does it.

[Dennis Johnson]

They were. They were very.

[Ryan Lemon]

Oh, where was my invitation? Where's Drew and I's invitation at next.

[Dennis Johnson]

Time, you guys are more than welcome to come over. She'll cook.

[Ryan Lemon]

We did this. No cameras, just no, you know, way before social media, just Rosetta and Elvis inviting us over for Sunday afternoon dinner.

[Drew Franklin]

Ron, we believe you went there for a free meal without it being for work. Did you have a favorite thing she made? I mean, he named the chicken and ham and all that Jevons.

[Dennis Johnson]

I always, you know, I'm like. I'm kind of like, I'm a big breakfast guy. So I like. I like the real. I like steaks on the Grill and eggs. Steak and eggs is good. Her homemade pizzas are really, really good. Puts a lot of. A lot of meats on there. So those two of my favorite things.

[Ryan Lemon]

Don't you think it'd be good content for Mario that she fixes big meal for all of us one day? Come on, Mario.

[Dennis Johnson]

We'll get some weight on you, Mario. You might get it. You like Jasper? We might put 20 on you. Might put 20 on you.

[Ryan Lemon]

Well, you mentioned Jasper, obviously. That's a big topic around here. He grew up playing here, Played at Southern Middle School, played at Woodford county before he went on to bigger and better things. I think the city of Lexington is so proud to see how he's developed as a player. And I know you're proud as a dad. What are your thoughts about him now, where he is as a player, as a freshman going into the uk?

[Dennis Johnson]

No, you know, as a dad, definitely, you know, excited for him. You know, it's been a long journey, right? A lot of long early mornings, long nights in the gym. And then, you know, once he got to ace, we sent him off to kind of figure it out himself. And so, you know, once he went to Link and Ote, I think it prepared him for what he's going to go into now. And I always. I told the story before. You know, I think Link was probably the best thing for him because the first two weeks, he wanted to come home. You know, Bill told me he was like. He was with Trey and LeBaron and all them guys, and he's just like, man, I'm not homesick. Five, six shots is not enough for me. You know what I'm saying? I need to. And me and Bill talked, and I love Bill Armstrong to this day. And Bill kind of walked me through it. I went down there and just told him, I said, you're in the right place when you need to be here. And I think failure is good for all kids, man. They need to go through it and have to figure it out. And so I didn't go to a game until, like, they came. I think they played in the Marshall County Hoop Fest was, like, in January. So I wanted to figure out itself. And so I think that was really, really good for him to kind of just. If you're having hard times, go to the gym, figure it out. You need to be by yourself. If basketball is really in you, then you'll figure it out. And about January, Bill called me, and I think they played sometime. He had, like 25 or 26, and Bill was like, you Know, he's figured it out. And so I saw, you know, and that's good. And I caught him. And just my thing was like, you know, figure it out. You know what I'm saying? Like, you. You're a basketball player. I went as far as I could with you as a dad to try to get you positions and all. Now you got to figure some stuff out. Playing with a lot of great players, and so everybody's an alpha. And that really room, you know, with Trey and LeBaron and all those guys, man, you had, I think him, the Iguodala son, were the only underclassmen on the team, so everybody else was seniors who were ready to sign. And so. But it was good for him. I think he had to compete in practice every day, and so it was a great experience. And then going to overtime last year was another different experience. So I just. I was a big believer and put him in uncomfortable experience, different. So he had to figure it out. And he's done. Knock on wood up to this point. He's done a good job of figuring it out. Now this is a different beast coming into college, and so, you know, routines and all that type of stuff, what you got to do to find minutes. And so I'm excited to see how he's gonna. How he's gonna transition and what he's gonna do.

[Drew Franklin]

We were there for the commitment ceremony at the high school, and pretty unexpectedly, there was a Dennis Johnson jersey comes out. Basketball jersey, I should say.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yes.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, I mean, we all. We all know there's football jerseys, but a nice twist there. How cool was that? Even though you didn't get to officially play a lot for Kentucky, but you did have a moment with the basketball program, and Jasper used that to make his commitment.

[Dennis Johnson]

Absolutely. And his old. His old agent, Nate, Connie was the one that kind of put all that together. So this would be cool to do this. And with the nine O's and all that type of stuff. And Morgan. And Morgan. So it was cool, man, just to kind of. And I'm not one of those people. I'm like, it's about you. But he wanted to do it. So I'm like, I'm with. If you want to do it, I'm cool with it, but I never want to. I don't want to deflect any attention off him. This is his time and doing his thing, and so I'm excited to see him play. But, no, it was. It was definitely a cool moment.

[Drew Franklin]

So now, sorry, just briefly explain how the basketball thing with you Worked where you're the football star and you ended up with a basketball jersey.

[Dennis Johnson]

So I used to go work out with him in the summer. And so we had talked about it when I was getting recruited, I could play football and basketball. And so that was kind of the plan of action. And so in the summer, I would work out in the UK in the morning, basketball, then at nighttime, and we go play and what's it, the seating center, I would go play. And so I did it up until football was by the start. And so after the Outback bowl, people don't notice, but I flew right home and started going in the morning. I was shooting in the morning and working out and stuff. And probably three or four days before I was going to probably suit up to play. I was in Barter's workout one morning. So Hal, Mommy, Tubby and my dad were sitting in Memorial, and I'm like, oh, this can't be good. And so they wanted to have a conversation. And Coach Mummy really wanted me, if you want to be an NFL player, you know, I had some wrist injuries and some hand problems, like you need to get stronger and get bigger. And I kind of want you to be a leader for the basketball or for the football team. And so my dad was like, ultimately you signed a football scholarship, and if that's your goal, then maybe we don't do it. And so we made a decision that day for me not to play. And that was probably the one regret I have as an adult, not being able to just go out there and play because I was able to compete. Like I said, I was top hundred in the country coming out of high school. Played for Saint of A Carroll, the Real Deals team. We traveled all over the country and so knew a lot of the guys that we would have played against. But that was my one regret. Not getting a chance to get on the floor Ruff arena and be able to play. But I'll get a chance to be able to see my son, which is probably even more special.

[Ryan Lemon]

Well, you mentioned Jasper going to, you know, Link and then ot well, now he's riding down the street.

[Dennis Johnson]

Yeah, he's too close.

[Ryan Lemon]

He's leaving at the lodge right down the street. Is he. Has he been sneaking home, washing his clothes at your house, sneaking to mom's vittles? Or is he. You making him kind of. Hey, you still need to figure it out. Stay over there.

[Dennis Johnson]

I said. I told you before, man. The best thing they got him, him and Skylar live together, so they got a. A locondo downtown. And so the Best thing they did was they took the dog. So now I'm a true middle wife or a true empty nurser. But no, he actually, when I came home from Florida, my wife then flew in early that morning and so I didn't get on to about 7 o' clock and he was at home and she was, she was doing some stuff to his hair. So every once in a while he'll come by, but I know his schedule is busy, but I just, you know, just I try to preach him now about a routine. I think pros have a routine, man. So you got to get in a routine every day, but every once in a while he'll come, want to get a free meal, I bet. Take something out of the pantry or take something from my mom or myself or looking through stuff. I said, hey, you got your own stuff, you know what I'm saying? You got your own now, big dog.

[Drew Franklin]

Now that they've ramped up practice there, it's still very early. I mean yesterday was first day to even this week. We can do 20 hours. But you got any scoop for us, Anything you've heard out of there, you've been watching?

[Dennis Johnson]

Well, my buddy called me, text me yesterday. I was watching our golfers in Richmond and Ron Brown, who we know, Ron Texas said, I'm sitting here with Ray John and Tayson Washington. You're watching your son playing. Say he's shooting it pretty well. And so that's kind of insight I've gotten. I haven't been to practice or anything. And so I, I talked to Jasper just about, you know, just there are no magic pills to work. Just continue to work hard and you'll get the results you want. So I've kind of, kind of stayed out of it, but just people from here and there kind of say they've been to practice. I saw him do this or do that. So I just say, you know, time will tell, time will tell. So you got to go out there and have a good time. And like I said, for a lot of these kids it's a ton of pressure, but you know what I'm saying? So I talk to them a lot about the mental part of it because like I said, any of those kids, the first time you go out there and lay an egg, man, there's a people on you. So you got to be thick skinned and be mentally tough and just, just, and just believe in your work.

[Ryan Lemon]

What do you think his role will be on the team this year and what do you want his role to be on the team this year?

[Dennis Johnson]

You know, I think you gotta, you gotta go to find your own practice every single day. I'm a coach because I get it, you know, and I tell my parents, every one of your kids is LeBron James. And so there's only one football and 85 guys. We're gonna put the best 11 out there. So, you know, whatever you do in practice is gonna show in the game or whatever they trust you to do, you know. But I think he can, he can play a little bit on the point. I think he can shoot it off the ball. And so I think he'll be able to do a lot of different things. I think the one good thing about Jasper is he knows how to get people involved. You know, on his AU team a few years ago, he was playing up and so had all those guys on the team. And the one thing I like, he was able to find, you know, everybody wants the ball and sometimes you get those lips on the forehead like my granny used to say. He was able to find those guys to get them touches and stuff. And so I think he has a chameleon type game and so I think he can adapt to whatever. But like I said, you just got to go out there. You're playing in a. And the toughest conference, basketball conference in the country, man, so you got to go out and just like you said, every day is a new day. It's a job interview. You got to find a way to get minutes.

[Drew Franklin]

I mean, he obviously played up going to Lincoln Ote, but now, I mean, the SEC's got some grown man. I mean, the SEC has some football players out there that should probably be on their second job post college by now, but they exist. Is he ready to make that big jump in that challenge and have to get a little more physical?

[Dennis Johnson]

Absolutely.

[Ryan Lemon]

No.

[Dennis Johnson]

I think, like I said, and he taught me when he came back from USA Basketball, he said the first few days, like, man, you know, I was. It was, it was physical, you know what I'm saying? Just trying to, trying to fill himself out. He had lost some weight when he went to Switzerland, but he trying to get his weight back up. But I just think you got to play it a lot, you know, play a lot. And we've always. Even when he was young, I used to take him to the Wyatt Harrisburg and play with the old guys and get bumped and knocked around. This is different, right, but you just gotta, you gotta get used to it. Like all things I think you gotta get used to. I had to get used to it as a freshman. I was fast in college. But I'm like, man, I didn't know these guys. These guys from Florida are different. These guys from, you know, Ohio University the first few games, which is.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah.

[Dennis Johnson]

Which is not the truth. And so it'll take some adjustment time for him, but once he, once he gets settled in, I think he'll be fine.

[Drew Franklin]

I will take a quick break. We'll come back for one last segment with Dennis. It's Ryan and Drew at KS Bar. Got a good crowd in here for lunch. You all should come by. Tomorrow's Wings day, but come on today. Come by anytime. Looking good in here, but we'll be right back for one last segment.

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[Drew Franklin]

You can make a difference in someone's.

[Dennis Johnson]

Life, including your own, with a job in home care.

[Ryan Lemon]

These jobs offer flexible schedules, healthcare, retirement.

[Dennis Johnson]

Options and free training.

[Ryan Lemon]

They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime.

[Dennis Johnson]

Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply.

[Ryan Lemon]

That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.

[Drew Franklin]

Welcome back to KSR. Drew Franklin, Ryan Lemon and Dennis Johnson. We're at KS Bar and Grill. And just like the last two segments, we're coming back with Ryan Lemon giggling. I have no idea what's going on between his ears, but I feel like I would be robbing all of you if I just didn't let Ryan Lemon say what needs what he needs to say.

[Ryan Lemon]

Well, I picked up the aviation glass text machine during that break and there's all these text messages new come in. I look at everyone is about Dennis. Dennis Johnson. I remember in elementary school playing the Mercer county all star team, which was basically their seventh and eighth graders and they killed us. And Dennis looked like one of the parents got to put on the pads and go full speed.

[Dennis Johnson]

No, I was telling somebody, I said me and my brothers used to play youth, middle school, freshman and high school all in the same week, you know what I'm saying? And have the practice when you had a few minutes. So we go from the high school across the street to the middle school and then after middle school practice go to the sportly field and do youth football practice. So we had a 9 to 5 of football practice.

[Ryan Lemon]

Ask Dennis about the time at East Jessamine where he blocked the kids so bad. I'm pretty sure the imprint of the ball is still on the wall over there. If not, it's still in orbit somewhere. Must have been a basketball game.

[Dennis Johnson]

Basketball, baseball.

[Ryan Lemon]

Asked Dennis about when he was playing baseball and was a foot taller than everybody else on the baseball.

[Dennis Johnson]

Everybody seen that picture. That's legendary.

[Ryan Lemon]

Well, there's, there's this, that's a story where I guess in the city championship or something, Derek hit the home run to put your team ahead, but you pitched a no hitter. Yeah, in on the, on the field like you guys. The Johnson boys won the city title.

[Dennis Johnson]

Basically six, six, three, playing 12U baseball throwing friggin 80 miles an hour, two fastballs in a change up and they were like swing seven times.

[Drew Franklin]

They must have hated you. Shannon, let's get one call out of the way. I know we have someone on the line. Let's get to that.

[Matt Jones]

Let's go to Justin.

[Drew Franklin]

Justin, what's up?

[Dennis Johnson]

Hey fellas. Appreciate you taking my call. Calling from South Carolina, just sitting outside of Wofford College thinking about our guy Dwight Perry. But I have a football question tonight. They released the SEC schedule. The six opponents that we don't know who will play next year, who do you guys think that will draw tonight? And then percentage chance that we finally.

[Ryan Lemon]

Get Texas A and M at home. We have yet to play them at home.

[Dennis Johnson]

Thanks for taking my call.

[Drew Franklin]

Thanks. I appreciate the call you took. My answer, I would say high probability. Texas A and M. Big part of the new system is getting everybody to all the stadiums. You know, you're getting to play the teams every couple years. I think just to get some balance. How. Because we, you know. How many times have they haven't been here? We've been there once. Is that the only meeting?

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah, they've never been here. I also expect Oklahoma to be on the schedule. I think you know the new school. I think Oklahoma probably gets Kentucky in that, in that rotation. Probably next time.

[Drew Franklin]

Those are two good picks. Do you have one you want to be on the schedule? Maybe a trip. And for years I wanted Ole Miss. We've been lucky they gave us that twice in the last couple. So I won't get greedy and keep wanting more of the Grove. Is there, is there a trip you all like to make or.

[Dennis Johnson]

Dennis.

[Drew Franklin]

A place you remember fondly?

[Dennis Johnson]

LSU was the year we beat him. That was a crazy night. Nighttime game. That's. That's where you want to play. It was probably my all time favorite trip as a freshman. We knocked them off down there, but it was, it was, it was pandemonium, man. It was, it was crazy.

[Ryan Lemon]

Was that the Seth Hansen game winning field goal game? Yep, I remember that. That's a big win at lsu.

[Dennis Johnson]

At lsu, man. Night game, packed house. The. They had the tiger down there roar. And it was, it was, it was, it was always meant up, meant to be.

[Drew Franklin]

That was high on my bucket list. I have not been able to do it. I know.

[Ryan Lemon]

I think that's the answer.

[Drew Franklin]

I remember the year we were just getting destroyed. Dorian Baker, like celebr, you know, he. He made a big blindside block and I'm like, dude, we're down 50. Let's just get home. But I would like to get back there and get another shot at them. I was at the one where we got them here number one. I would love to go to Baton Rouge though and be competitive.

[Ryan Lemon]

In recent years, they've been to Texas, they've been to Texas A and M. They've been to Ole Miss. Some of these road trips we don't get to make a lot. I think LSU is the right answer.

[Dennis Johnson]

I lost $500. We moved the year they caught the pass. We were in a special team meeting for the car was me and Trail Fog was all American linebacker. We had a bet and I run out of. We're late to. So we both get fined. So I run into the meeting room like we beat and we kick. So two minutes later Trev runs in like get my money back. So I always have a bad memory of that. So yeah, I got. I lost. I lost a lot of money that day. I got fined in Tripp took my money back.

[Ryan Lemon]

So you played for the Arizona Cardinals what three or four years?

[Dennis Johnson]

Three years.

[Ryan Lemon]

And then you went to the 49ers.

[Dennis Johnson]

49Ers. Yeah, for about half a season.

[Ryan Lemon]

And was it your wrist?

[Dennis Johnson]

Had a wrist aim wrist and I had an elbow. They wanted me to get Tommy John's and so then I went to Canada for a little while and just. I just. Canada. You know, Elmar Stewart was a legend in Canada. I remember being in a meeting. I was like, man, we gotta block this kid Anwar. I'm like, Stu. They're like. They treat him like royalty over there. I'm like, Elmar Stuart. Like dude, what's my like? Yeah, but I just didn't do it. So then I came back and started real life. My mom and I wrote my mom a letter about, you know, going to the pros early and she said it's about time to come back and get that degree. So I flew home. I think I was in somewhere at the time. And I flew home. We had this conversation. So you need to re enroll in school. And this letter you wrote me still on my. On my refrigerator. So let's make it happen. So yeah, that was my After Canada that was end of my my football career.

[Drew Franklin]

And briefly, what year are you in at Woodford now?

[Dennis Johnson]

This is year 11. Year 11. Yep.

[Drew Franklin]

So I saw we got you in the the KSR top 25 off to a good start. I mean you're a couple places places behind my Madisonville Maroons. But you'll climb, I'm sure. What's up next for You. You mentioned you got this week off.

[Dennis Johnson]

Yeah, we're off this week. Then we start district next week against South Fulton at home. And so we got a. We got a tough district, but no, man, Wolfer county is a great place. We got good, good admin, good people, man. So we. We've. We've upped the ante in Sports county, so it's a good time. You ever get a chance. Ryan did a game for us.

[Ryan Lemon]

Yeah.

[Dennis Johnson]

He got to see the atmosphere. We kind of crank it up, have a dj.

[Ryan Lemon]

It is a good little high school.

[Dennis Johnson]

We get it going. So now we. I love Wilford county is good people. And so we're excited for this year. We got. We got to get to Kroger Field. That's. That's our next step, and so hopefully we can take that. We've been 13 and 1, 12 and 2. And so we got to take the next step to get. To get to Kroger Field and win one.

[Ryan Lemon]

Before he went to Woodford county, he was head coach at Jesse Clark Middle School.

[Dennis Johnson]

Jesse Clark.

[Ryan Lemon]

Gavin Lemon transferred to Jesse Clark Middle School basically to play football his eighth grade year. For Dennis.

[Drew Franklin]

Oh, this seems like a violation.

[Ryan Lemon]

And Dennis, one time.

[Dennis Johnson]

I know what you're gonna say.

[Ryan Lemon]

Well, there may be a couple, but one story is, like, Gavin, you got a body like Atlas. What's the matter? You know, go make a play. Gavin comes home like, what's Atlas? What does that mean? Why does. He said, I got a body like Atlas? What does that mean?

[Dennis Johnson]

He did. He was. He was built, man. He was. He ended up having a good eighth grade year.

[Ryan Lemon]

You had him on one side of the defensive line and a fellow by the name of Jedrick Wills on the other side of the offensive line on that. On that team. So Gavin had a lot of tackles because everybody's running away from.

[Dennis Johnson]

Use what you get. Use what you get. Yeah.

[Drew Franklin]

Well, it's been fun watching you two giggle together. I haven't seen Ron like this in a while. Thank you for joining us.

[Ryan Lemon]

Dennis and that family ever since I moved here in 96. And they've been so good to me over the years, his mom and dad. And it's kind of proud moments to watch him and Derek both, you know, grow up. And now they're. Now they're old men now they're old timers like me now, right?

[Dennis Johnson]

Oh, no, I appreciate it, man. Appreciate you guys having us. Like I said, Ryan's been a. A good friend of our family for a long time. I'm recovering. Song on the news. I still got some of the vhs.

[Ryan Lemon]

I was there your high school when Harrodsburg played for the state title.

[Dennis Johnson]

Yep.

[Ryan Lemon]

And you came out of the locker room, you looked right in our camera and said, I'm gonna win this for my daddy. Yep, he sure did.

[Dennis Johnson]

And we didn't.

[Ryan Lemon]

And he didn't.

[Drew Franklin]

We'll be back tomorrow, right, Ron? Am I handing it back over to you? So are you driving tomorrow? Anything to tease what's going on.

[Ryan Lemon]

We got JoJo Camp.

[Dennis Johnson]

There we go.

[Ryan Lemon]

Supposed to be here tomorrow, hopefully at.

[Drew Franklin]

KS Bar and Grill for wingsday.

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[Public Rec Announcer]

Can small acts make a real impact in the world? Sometimes a small thing has the power to become more something big and meaningful. And when it comes to helping children.

[Dennis Johnson]

No act is too small.

[Public Rec Announcer]

When you fill up at the Purple Giving Pump at Shell, a portion of.

[Ryan Lemon]

Your purchase will be donated to support.

[Public Rec Announcer]

Charities in your community. The Giving Pump Easy to Stop, Easy to donate from 9125 to 10 31.

[Ryan Lemon]

25 participating Shell stations will donate a.

[Dennis Johnson]

Minimum of $0.01 per gallon of the fuel pump from the Giving Pump or.

[Public Rec Announcer]

A minimum donation of 300.