Reese’s Senior Bowl Interview: TE Theo Johnson has the size and speed to succeed in the NFL

Outside of DT, the Cleveland Browns’ biggest need in this year’s draft will be tough. Jordan Akins has one year left on his contract and could be released. Harrison Bryant is a free agent and it doesn’t look like he’ll be back. Both have had terrible seasons in terms of production, so an influx of youth is imminent. All the Browns have to do is cut bait and bring in a new player (or two). They are willing to help with this attack.

Cleveland has two picks in the fifth round, and Johnson could be one of them. He runs a fast 4.54 mph in the 40, which is great for a tight end. He is also a very good blocker. Johnson played in a total of 44 games during his college career, making 29 starts, and showed great power. Posted 77 career receptions for 938 yards and 12 touchdowns. DBN: What is the best part of your game?

Johnson: The biggest difference for me is size and speed. I like to think it’s rare. Big people like me usually don’t move as fast as I do. It’s proof that I was on the receiving end for years and didn’t realize how big my body was. It makes me unique and not an unblockable idiot. I can stick my nose in the trenches and explode on third down.

DBN: Why does Penn State always have exceptional tight ends? Johnson: Known for being big, fast and strong. To put it in words, it would seem terrible and cruel. I don’t mean that in a negative way. I came to play for Penn State. To get the most out of yourself, you have to push yourself further than you think. Penn State can do this every year. They are great here and get the best out of you no matter how hard you work. So these people can test charts and do everything. That’s how they train.

DBN: How did you prepare for spring and fall practices? Johnson: Practices are a lot harder than games. It means training hard every week. Every day I competed against much better people who made me a better blocker. I am very flexible. It makes the game easier and the development much stronger.

DBN: What do mobile scouts say about you? Johnson: I don’t care what other people say about me. All I care about is proving to myself what my game is all about. I know I’m nowhere near my potential. I’m trying to prove some people wrong. I can handle it in the right system.

DBN: Has it been difficult adjusting to the new offense? Johnson: That’s probably the biggest challenge for me. Adapting to a new system, a new team and a new environment will not be difficult. College football always stresses you out. We have to adapt, learn and change. There have been a lot of coordinators since coming to Penn State, so changes are to be expected. There will definitely be a learning curve. DBN: What do NFL teams get?

Johnson: A hard worker, someone who will do whatever it takes to achieve success for me and my organization. I am always first in the team.

DB: Are you one of those people who aren’t happy if you don’t get the ball often? Johnson: I never complained about not getting enough credit. It is: What is my job and how can I do it at the highest level? How can you help your team? My Leadership Last Year: What does my team need from me? I have always been a selfless person. Blocking won’t get you any stats or improve your draft status, but if it’s worth it, why complain? You should be proud of your game and I take that with me wherever I go.

DBN: What is your biggest advantage as a challenger? Johnson: For me, the biggest advantage is versatility. Some people are really good at trails and can’t be blocked to save their lives. Or maybe they’re really good blockers and seem to get hurt on the run. Although it is a vertical threat, it can be blocked one-on-one. Improvements in these aspects are still possible, but we don’t see much at the moment. Modern high ends have become such great receivers. I can do both.

DBN: Have you had difficult times in the past? JOHNSON: Tony J. (Gonzales) is a great guy that I’ve seen a lot of movies with and he’s a modern day George Kittle guy. He excelled at his position in all facets of the game and was much more than just a receiver.

DBN: You grew up in Windsor, Ontario. That means I grew up playing Canadian football. How difficult was this change after entering college?

Johnson: It was a big change for me because obviously I come from a different country and a completely different game. But I had great mentors and great coaches. Two old men showed me the way and the destination I wanted to take. Ever since I played receiver in high school, I had to focus on what I needed to do, like blocking. I rested and prepared well and there were many people around me supporting me, so there was nothing I could do. Don’t do anything that isn’t important. It’s better to fail and fall than to get up and keep going. DBN: Do you consider yourself a leader?

Johnson: Leadership comes very naturally to me. In high school, I was one of the key players on the team. You have to lead by example and sometimes you have to shut up. I felt a need for our team and had to take on this role. He was respected not only by the striker but also by the team.