KC Star: Texas LB Johnson one big hit - Page 2

tk13 · 11-25-2004, 02:21 AM

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/10266132.htm

Texas's Johnson one big hit
Linebacker, and Oklahoma's White, top Big 12

By BLAIR KERKHOFF
The Kansas City Star

In nine years of all-Big 12 football teams, few have been praised quite like Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson.

“Best linebacker I've seen in a very long time,” Oklahoma State coach Les Miles said.

“One of the best players I've ever seen,” Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. “He changes games.”

“A phenomenal player,” Kansas coach Mark Mangino said. “When you run away from him, he runs you down.”

Sold. Johnson is The Kansas City Star's Big 12 defensive player of the year.

Oklahoma quarterback Jason White repeats as offensive player of the year.

Honored players were selected by The Star's sportswriters who regularly cover the Big 12.

Johnson also was an all-conference player last season, but nobody outside of new Texas defensive coordinator Greg Robinson saw this kind of season from Johnson. He leads the nation with six forced fumbles, tops Texas in tackles with 86 and is a finalist for every major defensive award.

When Robinson, the former Chiefs defensive coordinator, arrived in Austin he and Johnson got together in the film room. Robinson pointed out how Johnson would overrun a play and told him to slow down briefly at the snap.

“He's helped me play more under control,” Johnson said of Robinson.

Johnson can come from anywhere on the field, at any time. He's allowed to chase plays and deliver blows with a full head of steam. He moved from middle to outside linebacker to take advantage of his speed.

Every weekend adds to the highlight reel.

Johnson had 18 tackles against Oklahoma State and 16 against Oklahoma. He turned in what must be one of the top defensive plays of the year against the Sooners.

On a third and 4, Johnson lined up to White's left. White rolled right and Johnson ran him down nearly to the Oklahoma sideline. From behind, Johnson grabbed White from around the waist with his left arm and punched the ball out of White's hand with his right. Texas recovered. Johnson forced a fumble in similar fashion a week earlier against Baylor.

Johnson also collected his ninth interception of his career against the Sooners, a record for Texas linebackers.

It started innocently enough. Johnson's mom called him a “sissy” as a 9-year-old little league football player. His mom, Beverly, would take him to practice and he didn't want to go. He'd stand outside the van and start crying. “She dragged me out of the van, literally,” Johnson said. “Every day, in front of everybody. … But she got me tougher. I'm glad she did it.”

Johnson came into his own in high school. As a senior at Waco High, he recorded a 30-tackle game.

White is bidding to own the greatest two-season stretch from a quarterback in college football history. He won last year's Heisman Trophy after throwing 40 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions.

In leading the Sooners to an 11-0 record and No. 2 ranking, White has thrown 30 touchdown passes and four interceptions. He'll enter next week's Big 12 championship game with 183 straight attempts without an interception.

White likely will be a Heisman Trophy finalist, and so will teammate Adrian Peterson, The Star's offensive newcomer of the year. Peterson is having one of the greatest freshman seasons ever, with 1,671 rushing yards. He's tied an NCAA record for freshman by topping 100 yards in 10 games.

Sooners coach Bob Stoops isn't taking sides. But he is emphasizing his team's priority.

“Our players won a lot of trophies last year, but we didn't win a championship,” Stoops said.

Colorado linebacker Jordon Dizon is the top defensive newcomer. He was recruited as an athlete and originally worked at safety. Coaches liked his hard-hitting ability and moved to linebacker. Dizon set the Buffs' freshman record for tackles and has 72 entering Friday's game at Nebraska.

Iowa State's Dan McCarney is The Star's coach of the year for orchestrating one of the greatest turnaround seasons in league history. The Cyclones finished 0-8 last season but are 4-3 in league play, 6-4 overall and can win their first division title with a victory Saturday against Missouri or a Nebraska triumph over Colorado.

“What a difference a year makes,” McCarney said as he addressed reporters on Tuesday. “This time last year I think you guys might have come to see if I was going to cry or crack or melt down or fall apart.”

McCarney gave credit to his players, who vowed not to live through another season like last year.

“These kids drew a line in the sand and put their foot down and said we're not going through this again,” McCarney said. “They said it wasn't right, it wasn't fair to the tradition we built here and it wasn't fair to our fans.”

tk13 · 11-25-2004, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miles Teg

There are some nice FA avalable too. Especailly John Abraham if the bidding for him doesnt get too unreasonable...which it very well could.

Antrel Rolle at CB would be a nice addition in the draft. I usually dont like rookie CB's as much of an impact their first year but he is different.

Yeah, I was thinking FA DE and CB and draft Johnson, man that would be exciting. We'd really have to lose some more games for that to happen though. It all depends, with our luck Rolle and Johnson would go just ahead of where we pick anyway. I'm still convinced that's how we ended up with Larry Johnson. I think we wanted Jerome McDougle but the Eagles traded one spot ahead of us to get him, then right after that we traded back.... I do know that there was a Raiders' fan here the other day that was super high on Kiwanuka...

milkman · 11-25-2004, 08:05 AM

I want to know who are the 2 or 3 MLBers coming out in the next draft.

Fixing the LB situation will go a long way towards fixing the D, and I'd like to start with the middle, since it's very unlikely that DJ will be there.

Hammock Parties · 11-25-2004, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

I want to know who are the 2 or 3 MLBers coming out in the next draft.

Fixing the LB situation will go a long way towards fixing the D, and I'd like to start with the middle, since it's very unlikely that DJ will be there.

We're going to sign Edgerton Hartwell.

milkman · 11-25-2004, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UserName

We're going to sign Edgerton Hartwell.

Yeah.
I'll believe it when I see it.

Hammock Parties · 11-25-2004, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

Yeah.
I'll believe it when I see it.

**Skip Towne** · 11-25-2004, 09:51 AM

I'd rather have Brian Johnson. He has way more posts than Derrick.

Demonpenz · 11-25-2004, 10:13 AM

I would like LB or a CB. That DE from boston college scares me. Dreams of mike mamula through my head. What would be fun is put Derrick Johnson as a stand up DE on the left side of the 4-3 on passing downs. Those two high motor playmakers might be able to get to the QB with only rushing 4.

BigChiefFan · 11-25-2004, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tk13

Yeah, I was thinking FA DE and CB and draft Johnson, man that would be exciting. We'd really have to lose some more games for that to happen though. It all depends, with our luck Rolle and Johnson would go just ahead of where we pick anyway. I'm still convinced that's how we ended up with Larry Johnson. I think we wanted Jerome McDougle but the Eagles traded one spot ahead of us to get him, then right after that we traded back.... I do know that there was a Raiders' fan here the other day that was super high on Kiwanuka...

I think we should make our own luck. If we covet Rolle or Johnson, trade up to get one of them. Both of those players look to make an impact at the NFL level, so I think it's worth pursuing. If we want a player bad enough we need to go out and get them. This is Vermeil's and maybe Carl's final year. I would be extremely disappointed if that didn't give it one last go in FA and the draft. The time is NOW. Trade up and land of these bad boys.

milkman · 11-25-2004, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefFan

This is Vermeil's and maybe Carl's final year. I would be extremely disappointed if that didn't give it one last go in FA and the draft. The time is NOW. Trade up and land of these bad boys.

If we don't get it done next, and with Carl in charge I don't expect too, then I can envision Carl signing another extension.

At the press conference announcing his extension, I almost expect to hear him say "I promised the fans of KC a SB, and I don't care if it takes another 20 years, I'm going to stay until we get it done".

BigChiefFan · 11-25-2004, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

If we don't get it done next, and with Carl in charge I don't expect too, then I can envision Carl signing another extension.

At the press conference announcing his extension, I almost expect to hear him say "I promised the fans of KC a SB, and I don't care if it takes another 20 years, I'm going to stay until we get it done".

I don't hate Carl as long as he does what I want him to do.

All kidding aside, Carl needs to be aggressive in FA and the draft. Quit ****ing around and haggling over a few thousand dollars and land the players we covet. If Kendrell Bell is available, land him. If Derrick Johnson is sitting there 3 picks ahead of where we pick, move up and land him. You make your own luck. You can move up, it's whether or not it's worth it to you. DJ is a player worth moving up for. Sitting pat isn't the approach Carl should take IMO. Excuses are for losers.

shaneo69 · 11-25-2004, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefFan

I don't hate Carl as long as he does what I want him to do.

All kidding aside, Carl needs to be aggressive in FA and the draft. Quit ****ing around and haggling over a few thousand dollars and land the players we covet. If Kendrell Bell is available, land him. If Derrick Johnson is sitting there 3 picks ahead of where we pick, move up and land him. You make your own luck. You can move up, it's whether or not it's worth it to you. DJ is a player worth moving up for. Sitting pat isn't the approach Carl should take IMO. Excuses are for losers.

I hate moving up. It will cost you either a 2nd or 3rd rounder, and we need those picks. The Ryan Sims situation was a disaster. Besides, if you can't find a great player at #7, then something's wrong. If DJ goes at #4, then you take some other great player at #7.

I don't want Derrick Johnson anyway because I don't want anyone who "learned" under Knobinson.

My philosophy would be to get as many good players in FA as possible, then just pick the best player available when it's your pick, instead of just focusing on a need.

Frankie · 11-25-2004, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2bikemike

Now thats a Big Johnson we could use to plug some holes!

But seriously (OK, semi-seriously), I don't want another 1st round pick named Johnson for a few years. LJ is enough.

Hammock Parties · 11-25-2004, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaneo69

I don't want Derrick Johnson anyway because I don't want anyone who "learned" under Knobinson.

Johnson only spent 1 year under Robinson.

shaneo69 · 11-25-2004, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UserName

Johnson only spent 1 year under Robinson.

That's enough.

Mr. Laz · 11-25-2004, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigChiefFan

All kidding aside, Carl needs to be aggressive in FA and the draft. Quit ****ing around

except for our personnel dept is soooo bad im not sure that it will make a difference.

passive or aggressive ... mistakes are still mistakes

11-25-2004, 02:21 AM
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1692500	KC Star: Texas LB Johnson one big hit http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansas...s/10266132.htm Texas's Johnson one big hit Linebacker, and Oklahoma's White, top Big 12 By BLAIR KERKHOFF The Kansas City Star In nine years of all-Big 12 football teams, few have been praised quite like Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson. “Best linebacker I've seen in a very long time,” Oklahoma State coach Les Miles said. “One of the best players I've ever seen,” Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said. “He changes games.” “A phenomenal player,” Kansas coach Mark Mangino said. “When you run away from him, he runs you down.” Sold. Johnson is The Kansas City Star's Big 12 defensive player of the year. Oklahoma quarterback Jason White repeats as offensive player of the year. Honored players were selected by The Star's sportswriters who regularly cover the Big 12. Johnson also was an all-conference player last season, but nobody outside of new Texas defensive coordinator Greg Robinson saw this kind of season from Johnson. He leads the nation with six forced fumbles, tops Texas in tackles with 86 and is a finalist for every major defensive award. When Robinson, the former Chiefs defensive coordinator, arrived in Austin he and Johnson got together in the film room. Robinson pointed out how Johnson would overrun a play and told him to slow down briefly at the snap. “He's helped me play more under control,” Johnson said of Robinson. Johnson can come from anywhere on the field, at any time. He's allowed to chase plays and deliver blows with a full head of steam. He moved from middle to outside linebacker to take advantage of his speed. Every weekend adds to the highlight reel. Johnson had 18 tackles against Oklahoma State and 16 against Oklahoma. He turned in what must be one of the top defensive plays of the year against the Sooners. On a third and 4, Johnson lined up to White's left. White rolled right and Johnson ran him down nearly to the Oklahoma sideline. From behind, Johnson grabbed White from around the waist with his left arm and punched the ball out of White's hand with his right. Texas recovered. Johnson forced a fumble in similar fashion a week earlier against Baylor. Johnson also collected his ninth interception of his career against the Sooners, a record for Texas linebackers. It started innocently enough. Johnson's mom called him a “sissy” as a 9-year-old little league football player. His mom, Beverly, would take him to practice and he didn't want to go. He'd stand outside the van and start crying. “She dragged me out of the van, literally,” Johnson said. “Every day, in front of everybody. … But she got me tougher. I'm glad she did it.” Johnson came into his own in high school. As a senior at Waco High, he recorded a 30-tackle game. White is bidding to own the greatest two-season stretch from a quarterback in college football history. He won last year's Heisman Trophy after throwing 40 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions. In leading the Sooners to an 11-0 record and No. 2 ranking, White has thrown 30 touchdown passes and four interceptions. He'll enter next week's Big 12 championship game with 183 straight attempts without an interception. White likely will be a Heisman Trophy finalist, and so will teammate Adrian Peterson, The Star's offensive newcomer of the year. Peterson is having one of the greatest freshman seasons ever, with 1,671 rushing yards. He's tied an NCAA record for freshman by topping 100 yards in 10 games. Sooners coach Bob Stoops isn't taking sides. But he is emphasizing his team's priority. “Our players won a lot of trophies last year, but we didn't win a championship,” Stoops said. Colorado linebacker Jordon Dizon is the top defensive newcomer. He was recruited as an athlete and originally worked at safety. Coaches liked his hard-hitting ability and moved to linebacker. Dizon set the Buffs' freshman record for tackles and has 72 entering Friday's game at Nebraska. Iowa State's Dan McCarney is The Star's coach of the year for orchestrating one of the greatest turnaround seasons in league history. The Cyclones finished 0-8 last season but are 4-3 in league play, 6-4 overall and can win their first division title with a victory Saturday against Missouri or a Nebraska triumph over Colorado. “What a difference a year makes,” McCarney said as he addressed reporters on Tuesday. “This time last year I think you guys might have come to see if I was going to cry or crack or melt down or fall apart.” McCarney gave credit to his players, who vowed not to live through another season like last year. “These kids drew a line in the sand and put their foot down and said we're not going through this again,” McCarney said. “They said it wasn't right, it wasn't fair to the tradition we built here and it wasn't fair to our fans.”
Posts: 54,999

11-25-2004, 08:05 AM	#17
milkman Dumbass! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Leading the Marty bashing Casino cash: $10029395	I want to know who are the 2 or 3 MLBers coming out in the next draft. Fixing the LB situation will go a long way towards fixing the D, and I'd like to start with the middle, since it's very unlikely that DJ will be there. __________________
Posts: 70,769

11-25-2004, 09:51 AM	#21
Skip Towne Supporter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: T-Town Casino cash: $10004900	I'd rather have Brian Johnson. He has way more posts than Derrick.
Posts: 69,689

11-25-2004, 10:13 AM	#22
Demonpenz Woman should only make babies Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $2922136	I would like LB or a CB. That DE from boston college scares me. Dreams of mike mamula through my head. What would be fun is put Derrick Johnson as a stand up DE on the left side of the 4-3 on passing downs. Those two high motor playmakers might be able to get to the QB with only rushing 4. __________________
Posts: 54,302