Brian Johnson

Johnson showed a lot of potential playing behind eventually No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith in 2004, and looked to become a star after a second-team All-Mountain West sophomore campaign. But a knee injury cost him the end of that 2005 season and all of 2006. He then missed two games at the beginning of 2007 and was never quite the same, although he still won eight games as well as MVP honors at the Poinsettia Bowl. Johnson turned up his game as a senior, earning Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year honors (2,972 passing yards, 68.0 completion percentage, 27 touchdowns, nine interceptions) and leading his team to an undefeated season. Johnson's lack of size may prevent him from being drafted, but his intangibles may earn him at least a practice squad spot next fall.

strengths

Accurate on short throws and intermediate throws over the middle that move the chains, and puts his receivers in position to make plays. Enough mobility within the pocket to buy time, and threatens the defense as a runner with good vision and some elusiveness. Smart, poised, confident team leader who usually makes the right decision on the field.

weaknesses

Lacks prototypical height and size for the position. Works in a spread zone-read offense, mostly from the shotgun. Sticks to his primary read and then tucks the ball. Gets a lot of yardage from short throws. Lacks arm strength to make the deep throw. Many of his longer throws are jump balls that NFL defensive backs would easily defend. Awkward delivery, shot-putting the ball. Ball comes out of his hand poorly at times. Only average speed as a runner, and will not outrun many pro linebackers. Not a magician eluding blitzers in the pocket. Durability a question because of his size and the time he missed with knee and shoulder injuries.

First-team all-district and second-team all-state quarterback for Robert E. Lee High (Texas)

District MVP

passed for 2,900 yards and 33 touchdowns and rushed for 540 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2003

completed 71.6 percent of his pass attempts

also lettered in basketball.

Son of Stacey and Shonna Johnson

father played football for UTEP

two sisters, Bianca and Britteny, play basketball

mass communication major

full name is Brian Delance Johnson

born Feb. 16, 1987.