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Taurus Johnson |
Spencer: Are you happy the process is coming to an end?
Johnson: Definitely. It's two weeks away now. It's coming closer than I expected. I'm just trying to finish school, work out and stay in shape. Just waiting to get that call.
Spencer: What's been the toughest part of the process for you?
Johnson: Actually, nothing really. I'm a very patient person. I know for a while after the season ended and after the combine, I've done everything I can do. I've gotta wait, and that's the hard part. I'm a patient person so when the time comes, it comes.
Spencer: Who have you had private workouts and visits with?
Johnson: I had one with the Kansas City Chiefs. Their wide receiver coach Dedric Ward came down and worked me out. I had one today with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I had that this morning. They both went really well and I was pleased and how I performed there.
Spencer: Are any particular teams showing more interest than others?
Johnson: There's been a couple. I know Kansas City has...St. Louis, Denver and Tampa Bay as well. So yeah, there's some teams interested.
Spencer: Has anyone given you any indication as to when you'll hear your name called on draft day?
Johnson: Probably from like the 4th to the 7th to be honest.
Spencer: Looking forward to the next level, are there any particular offensive systems you'd excel in?
Johnson: I think probably Denver's offense, St. Louis and definitely Kansas City. They just got Matt Cassell. I know coach Dedric Ward said that they were looking for a couple wide receivers to come in and step up. As far as Tampa Bay, they have Josh Johnson over there and they just signed Byron Leftwich, so that's huge. I think in those types of offenses it'd be nice, but I don't really have a choice. I've just gotta be ready to play.
Spencer: What's your favorite part of football as a whole?
Johnson: Just the game, to be honest. I'm the type of person that just loves the game. I understand players get paid to play, but that's just icing on the cake. I like just going out there and compete and help my team out to do whatever it takes to win. That's just the type of person I am.
Spencer: Are there any NFL players you style your game after?
Johnson: I've heard a few people say Santonio Holmes. More likely, Anquan Boldin because of my size and strenght. I've been told I'm just a little bit faster than Anquan.
Spencer: Who were your favorite players or teams growing up?
Johnson: Dallas Cowboys, which I'm pretty sure everyone follows at some point. I also liked watching the Washington Redskins. As for players, I kind of watched a lot of Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. I'm just trying to get to that level where they are.
Spencer: What's the strongest aspect of your game right now?
Johnson: Probably my explosiveness coming off the ball. I've heard a lot of coaches say I'm very explosive coming off the ball. As soon as I catch the ball, I go straight up the field.
Spencer: What area of your game do you want to focus on improving when you get into the NFL?
Johnson: Definitely blocking. Doing anything that helps with blocking. Coaches know that you can catch the ball and run routes, but can you block? I've been working on that for the past two years at South Florida, so I'd definitely like to improve my blocking to help the run game.
Spencer: What's going to be the hardest part of the transition into the NFL?
Johnson: Most people say the speed of the game, but also watching film too. Watching your opponents, what coverages they'll be in, what'll they'll do in certain situations. Just keeping your eyes open in all aspects of the game. Always being prepared in the film room, weight room, wherever.
Spencer: What was your major at South Florida?
Johnson: Sociology and I'll be walking in May.
Spencer: Congratulations! Is there a particular game during your career at South Florida that you can point to that defines you as a player?
Johnson: Probably the game against Auburn at their place when we beat them. That made top five on Sportscenter, which I though was pretty cool.
Spencer: Do you face any additional challenges coming from a college program that's still in the building phase?
Johnson: The school is so young and so is the football program. Each year we're getting better and better as far as athletics and academics. This year they're playing Florida State and Miami, so that's two in state rivals right there. Our team's gonna be just fine. Each year they're gonna keep growing and growing and hopefully they'll compete for a Big East title down the road.
Spencer: Any prospects at South Florida that should be looked at as future draft prospects?
Johnson: Definitely. [safety] Nate Allen, which was my high school quarterback. [Linebacker] Kion Wilson...[cornerback] Theo Wilson...[defensive end] George Selvie, definitely. We've got some players on the team that are pretty good.
Spencer: If you weren't playing football, what would you be doing?
Johnson: Either probably a sports broadcaster or a teacher. I like working with kids. I used to be a mentor in high school, looking out for the troubled kids.
Spencer: Any particular plans for draft day?
Johnson: Nothing really. Just go home and be with the family. I don't even know if I can watch the draft. I might go golfing or bowling or something like that. Something to keep my mind off of it. Whoever calls me, I'm gonna be thrilled to go out there and I"ll be ready to work.
Spencer: If there was one more thing that you'd like to let NFL fans, coaches or the media know about you before draft day, what would it be?
Johnson: That I'm a very humble person. Of course, on the field, I'm gonna be very competitive, everyone is. You know, I'm just a humble player that's a team type of guy. I plan to be invovled in the community with charities and what not. That's the type of player I want to be and I think I'm just a very good guy.
Spencer: Thanks for your time Taurus. I'm sure you'll be hearing your name called earlier than expected on draft day. Best of luck to you!