Last year was dominant, but could 2017 be even better?

Much to the detriment of opponents alike, Micah Johnson may be in an even better position to succeed this time around.

The fifth-year defensive tackle, who has battled through injuries over the past few seasons, feels the best he has in quite some time thanks to a healthy left knee.

Not to mention he’s coming off the best season of his career taking home both West Division and CFL all-star honours.

Also in Johnson’s favour is the off-season addition of fellow interior lineman Bryan Hall, a league veteran who has previously spilt time between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Toronto Argonauts.

In fact, the two have a notable connection dating back to their youth, as the now-teammates suited up against one another back in high school as top-notch stars hailing from the state of Kentucky.

“I think it becomes one of the best in the league instantly,” offered Johnson of the potentially terrorizing duo. “Bryan is really instinctive and he’s very athletic and he’s also very strong, too. It’s going to give us some more versatility inside and I think with his speed and power and quickness, it’s definitely another factor that offensive lines are going to have to deal with.”

Johnson, who now sits four games away from 50 in his CFL career, is a valuable piece to the veteran presence in training camp for Calgary.

“Guys are just out here working trying to get better,” remarked Johnson before ensuring to offer praise towards the Stamps safety who suddenly crashed the one-on-one interview. “There are good leaders out here like Josh Bell pushing everybody. He has to be the best in the league.”

“I couldn’t do it without my defensive tackle,” replied the fun-loving Bell.

After finishing tied for second on the team in both sacks and forced fumbles a season ago, Johnson will be tested with a challenging stretch right out of the gate which will see the Red and White kick off the league’s pre-season schedule one week from today followed by just a five-day turnaround for their second tune-up game.

“I think the biggest thing is just that guys are going to have to take care of their bodies in that short span,” the 6-foot-2, 277-lb. defender advised. “Any time you’re playing two games back-to-back it gets crazy and your body is beat up and sore and you’re already in camp. Guys are going to have to get their rest, but the schedule is what it is. That’s what we’re going to do and I think guys are going to be ready for it.”

What also has Johnson excited about the upcoming campaign is the jersey number he will be sporting for the first time since his collegiate career. The trade of Drew Tate to Ottawa on Feb. 21 freed up No. 4, enabling the former Kentucky Wildcat to return to his roots.

“It’s not like it was something I was looking for, but any time you can wear your same number from college at the pro level is cool,” said Johnson with a grin. “It was awesome wearing a single digit like that in college and I’m super excited about that.”