LSU senior fullback Quinn Johnson doesn’t play football for the fame it gives him around the Baton Rouge community.And he doesn’t play for the allure of the NFL, which could eventually bring fortune to the 6-foot-1-inch, 262-pound fullback should he get drafted in next spring’s NFL draft.Johnson’s passion for football is much simpler than being recognized around the Quad after converting a key fourth-and-1 against Alabama and much easier to relate to than a six figure salary — he just loves to hit people.”I love the physicality of the game,” he said. “I love locking helmets with my opponent.”Junior halfback Keiland Williams said fans don’t have to look any further than LSU’s punt formation to see their fullback loves contact.”That’s his thing. He’s all about knocking people out,” Williams said. “He’s the wedge on the punt team. That isn’t anything but hitting and being hit.”That physical nature is what former LSU coach Nick Saban saw in Johnson when he recruited and signed him as a linebacker in 2004.But when Saban departed to the Miami Dolphins, new coach Les Miles asked Johnson to switch sides of the ball, a move that has benefited both Johnson and the Tigers.”It helps me a lot, because I know what offensive players are looking for,” he said. “I know how they’re going to take on the play.”Johnson moved into the starting fullback position in 2007 when former Tiger Jacob Hester switched from fullback to the team’s primary halfback.Blocking in front of Hester, Johnson helped LSU become one of the nation’s top rushing teams last season and averaged 214 rushing yards per game.Williams said learning from Hester has had a big impact on Johnson’s career.”He’s played behind some good guys, and he’s had a lot of time to learn the position,” he said. “At the beginning of the game, emotions are running high. But toward the end of the game, I don’t think there is anyone who matches him hit-for-hit.”This season has been much of the same as Johnson has cleared the way for junior halfback Charles Scott, who has 981 yards and 13 touchdowns in nine games.Williams said LSU’s running game wouldn’t be as successful without the fullback he considers to be the best in the country.”There’s not much debate,” he said. “Hands down, he’s the best in the country. When guys look at him on film, I guarantee you that’s not something anyone is looking forward to facing.” Sophomore Richard Murphy said he, Williams and Scott all have a saying they use to describe how they feel when they line up behind Johnson.”We say it’s like ‘Hakuna Matata.’ We have no worries. We don’t need to worry about it,     because he will help us get that first down,” Murphy said.Junior receiver Brandon LaFell said Johnson’s presence also helps the LSU receivers who aren’t as physical as Johnson.”He protects the quarterback, which allows us to get down the field to make plays,” he said. “He also smashes people in the running game, which helps the backs get through even if we miss our blocks down the field.” The Edgard native’s hard work has earned him a few “reward carries” from LSU offensive coordinator Gary Crowton, including a pivotal fourth-and-1 carry last weekend against Alabama and a five-yard touchdown run against North Texas, the first touchdown of Johnson’s career.But Johnson said his goal remains the same despite the opportunity to be a ball carrier.”Those carries give me a little bit of confidence,” he said. “But I still just want to do what I have to do to help the team.”—-Contact Casey Gisclar at [email protected]