USC's Johnson has NFL talking about his abilities
One of 2009's best-known college running backs may not even get drafted.
But considering he nearly lost his life last fall, USC's Stafon Johnson will be happy to sign as an undrafted free agent and get a chance to make an NFL roster this summer.
Last Sept. 28, Johnson dropped a barbell loaded with 275 pounds on his throat when he missed the rack after finishing his last rep while bench pressing. He was rushed to the hospital and underwent seven hours of emergency surgery after which doctors weren't sure he would ever play football or even speak again. He spent more than two weeks in the hospital and endured more follow-up surgeries and spoke in public for the first time in November and returned to play in the Senior Bowl Jan. 30.
Although Johnson led the Trojans in rushing as a junior with 705 yards and a 5.1-yard average and scored 5 touchdowns in the four games before his injury last season, he does not possess any outstanding attributes, unless you count resiliency. At 5-11 and 214 pounds, he doesn't have great pile-driving power, and his speed (4.6 in the 40) is no better than average.
Johnson does a little bit of a lot of different things. As a junior, he returned 33 punts for 305 yards and a 9.2-yard average. He blocks, shows good run vision and is strong enough to be an effective runner between the tackles and in short-yardage situations.
At the NFL Scouting Combine in late February, Johnson was still answering questions from reporters and NFL personnel about his accident, which he expected, but he was glad when teams got past that and he could talk about football. He'll be happier yet when it's all about football.
"I'm happy to tell everybody all the things that God has brought me through," Johnson said at the Combine. "I'm just glad to be here, and I've got no problems sharing (the story of his injury and recovery).
"It's more, 'How does it affect you as a football player?' And it doesn't. So from there on, it's just regular typical football questions."
Scouts and coaches don't have to ask any questions about Johnson's dedication to the game and his determination because that's been obvious ever since his injury.
"Every day when I woke up, I just made sure that I put 110 percent into (rehabbing from) my injury and to get back as fast as I could. I didn't want to push anything. I didn't want to rush anything. But I wanted to maximize my efforts to the best of my abilities.
"It just shows how bad I love this game, and how much I wanted to get back and prove to everybody that injuries are not always the downfall or the end of what you want to do. Sometimes it takes longer than expected. But for the most part, where I am right now, I'm very happy."
Top 10 running backsC.J. Spiller, ClemsonRyan Matthews, Fresno StateJahvid Best, CaliforniaJoe McKnight, USCToby Gerhart, StanfordBen Tate, AuburnDexter McCluster, MississippiMontarrio Hardesty, TennesseeLeGarrette Blount, OregonJonathon Dwyer, Georgia TechLeGere's view: Spiller, who lacks ideal size but has excellent speed, is a threat to score from anywhere on the field and in a variety of ways. But he is the only top 20 pick in what looks like a weak class of runners. Matthews is a complete back who led the nation in rushing last year and averaged 6.6 yards per carry. He is not as much of a home-run threat as Spiller but has better size and should be more durable. Best has good size and speed with big-play ability, but he has been hurt a lot. McKnight has enviable skills but toughness isn't one of them. Gerhard looks and runs more like a fullback, but he could be very productive between the tackles.Blount has a lot of character issues and won't impress anyone with his speed, but neither did Jerome Bettis, and Blount has surprising agility for a big back, and he packs a punch.False13482000USC's Stafon Johnson blocks, shows good run vision and is strong enough to be an effective runner between the tackles and in short-yardage situations.Associated Press fileFalse <p class="factboxheadblack">2010 NFL Draft</p><p class="News">For the first time in its 75-year history, the NFL draft moves to prime time from Radio City Music Hall in New York City.</p><p class="News">First round: Begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 22</p><p class="News">Rounds 2-3: Begin at 5 p.m. Friday, April 23</p><p class="News">Rounds 4-7: Begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 24</p><p class="News">TV: NFL Network and ESPN</p><p class="breakhead">Bears picks</p><p class="News">First round: 11th pick traded to Denver in Jay Cutler deal</p><p class="News">Second round: 10th pick (42nd overall) traded to Tampa Bay for DE Gaines Adams</p><p class="News">Third round: 11th pick (75th)</p><p class="News">Fourth round: 11th pick (109th)</p><p class="News">Fifth round: 10th pick (141st) </p><p class="News">Sixth round: 12th pick (181st)</p><p class="News">Seventh round: 11th pick (218th)</p><p class="News">Source: NFL.com</p>