Jerrod Johnson

Johnson could have gone almost anywhere because of his status as a top 100 national recruit as an athlete/quarterback out of Humble (where Larry Johnson was a principal, coach, and pillar of the community), but he chose to go to College Station so he could follow in his father's footsteps. Johnson took advantage of his limited chances to play as a redshirt freshman, leading the team to scores in six of the eight drives (over five games) in which he played. Coaches moved him to receiver for his sophomore season (two catches for 41 yards in the team's three games), but he was forced to move back to quarterback earlier than expected when senior Stephen McGee was lost to injury; he threw for 2,435 yards, 21 scores and 10 interceptions starting the last 10 games of the year. The starting job was all his in 2009, and he came through with a second-team All-Big 12 junior year, completing 59.6 percent of his throws for 3,579 yards, 30 touchdowns against just eight interceptions, and rushing for 506 yards and eight scores. Johnson's breakout performance on the national stage came against Texas on Thanksgiving night, when he threw for 342 yards, four touchdowns and ran for another 97 yards in the close loss to the then-No. 3 Longhorns. In that game, Johnson showed scouts his strong arm and ability to burn defenses with long runs when they laid back in zone coverage. He also displayed a wind-up in his delivery along with poor footwork, little patience in the pocket, and only average accuracy on throws he'll need to make at the next level. Although Johnson's the sort of strong, high-character leader NFL teams like, they will need to see improvement throughout his game before they consider him a potential starter or worth a pick in the top 100 overall selections.

setup/release

Must tighten up his throwing motion and improve his footwork to be an effective NFL pocket passer. Throws from the shotgun almost exclusively, though he will go under center for handoffs and the occasional play-action (has adequate ball skills, could be more consistent selling the fake). Uses a windup motion before releasing the ball, allowing rushers to hit him before the throw or get their hands into passing lanes. Throws from back foot and at different arm angles to get the ball out quickly when needed, but fails to set his feet consistently when throwing from the pocket. Gets "happy feet" waiting for receivers to get open or sensing oncoming pressure. Has improved his ball security when on the move or being sacked (four fumbles, three lost in 2009; 10-5 in 2008) but still has work to do.

reading defenses

Must improve reading defenses and ability to find a second receiver to succeed in the NFL. Birddogs his primary receiver, fails to look off safeties. Will check down to the flat if his first read is covered, but there's no second or third option down the field. Feels pressure, puts his head down and tries to run too often instead of finding a receiver or throwing the ball away. A bit jumpy, leaves the pocket or unloads the ball a bit earlier than needed. Looks to sideline for plays and adjustments in no-huddle.

arm strength

Impresses with his arm strength, capable of stretching the field vertically and throwing across the field to open receivers. Floats too many balls, however, instead of stepping into throws to drive them. Ball does not come out of his hand consistently clean; it can be wobbly, even when he has time to deliver. Is not practiced at throwing the ball in tight quarters.

intangibles

Strong in his faith and has excellent character; is easy to root for. Mature, hard-working leader in the huddle and off the field. Father, Larry, played receiver and defensive back at Texas A&M from 1978-1980. Older brother, Marquis, was a tight end at Prairie View A&M and is now the strength and conditioning coach at Eastern Michigan. Family fostered children with disabilities. Played AAU basketball in Houston.

on the move

Athletic passer who can make plays with his feet or arm while on the move, but his size prevents him from being overly elusive in the open field. Very dangerous straight-ahead runner, however, if defensive front sevens drop into coverage and a lane opens in front of him. Completes passes throwing to his left or right, can square up and find open men quickly 10-15 yards downfield but has a big wind-up in his delivery that will allow pro defensive backs to jump the throw. Gets out of bounds instead of taking unnecessary hits, but is also willing to give up his body to get to the end zone on called draw plays. Smaller blitzers will bounce off his large frame on blitzes, he can also spin out of tackles. Won't accelerate quickly to avoid a second or third defender, however, and doesn't get rid of the ball often enough. Lacks elusiveness to break off as many as big runs against faster NFL defenses as he does in college. Carries the ball loose and low when scrambling.

accuracy

Has improved his ability to hit targets on shorter timing throws, when his man sits holes in zone coverage, or when floating the ball down the field, but accuracy drops when his man is on the move or needing to drive the ball on intermediate out routes. Receivers have to adjust to too many high, low and wide throws. Fair touch on passes down the seam/sidelines and end zone fades, but often comes up short or throw the ball too far inside, relying on his receiver to make a play instead of the defender. Tighter and more disciplined NFL coverage might cause him problems at the next level.

2005 Houston Touchdown Club Offensive Player of the Year

named to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine Super Team

named one of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Top 15 Quarterbacks

consensus Texas top 50 recruit

named #31 athlete in the nation by Rivals.com

threw for 1,151 yards and six touchdowns as a senior

also rushed for 613 yards and 11 touchdowns

named District 22-5A Offensive MVP

as a junior threw for 774 yards and 4 touchdowns while also catching 31 passes for 385 yards and seven touchdowns

recorded two interceptions as a safety on defense

named team MVP and earned all-district honors at wide receiver as a junior

also named all-district as a sophomore after grabbing 21 passes for 310 yards and two scores

coached by Walt Beasley.

Jerrod Terrel Johnson is the son of Larry and Pamela Johnson of Houston

born July 27, 1988 in Houston

kinesiology major

his father played wide receiver and defensive back for the Aggies in the late 1970s.