Johnson is making the most of his opportunities
by Nick Ironside
Kentucky wide receiver Steve Johnson spoke to our Nick Ironside about the rigors of playing in the SEC, and how he’s prepared for the upcoming NFL Draft.
Steve Johnson, a 6-foot-3 198 pound wide receiver from the University of Kentucky, led his team to two clutch victories in the 2007 season against Louisville and Louisiana State. Johnson remembered both experiences vividly.
“As far as (my best memory with) Kentucky, I’d say the Louisville game was one of the best moments because it lifted up the team and the community - because of it being an in-state rivalry,” Johnson said.
“But as far as individual moment, I’d say the LSU game. The year before, they beat us 49-0. We just wanted to score at least one touchdown, and it was the same situation - I was there with the defensive back and we were on the same situation on the field, about the five-yard line.
“And same exact thing, same exact play. Andre Woodson checked this side and we didn’t connect on it. I thought about it the whole off season, just all the time - we always talked about it.”
Then Woodson and Johnson had their second shot at the Louisiana State defense.
“And who would’ve guessed - we got our second chance and we connected on it, and you know it was history basically from there, and so that was pretty much one of the best moments, just because we connected and we got a second chance, and it allowed us to win the game,” Johnson stated. “So that’s one of the best moments I’ve had.”
Playing teams such as Louisiana State was considered to be a blessing to Johnson.
“I was fortunate to play in the SEC - they’re one of the toughest conferences, and you’ve got the LSU’s, Georgia’s, Tennessee’s, Florida; those are no fluff teams right there. I’m not saying any other conference isn’t better than the SEC, but we’re known as being one of the toughest conferences,” said Johnson.
“It’s like a mini NFL - that’s what it is, and I think it’s what made me tougher - mentally and physically, and it exploits some weaknesses that certain players may have. It’s been a blessing to play in the SEC, just because of how tough the conference is. And if you can make it out of the SEC, then I feel like you should be all right.”
After finishing up his three year career in the South Eastern Conference, Johnson spoke about moving on to the next level - the NFL.
“It’s going to be tough as far as transitioning from college to the NFL, but it just depends on how much you’re going to put in - you know - extra film, going over the plays, just working on your hands as a wide receiver; just getting to be comfortable. That’s all it is, and that’s all it really is.”
“Just being comfortable with your position and where you are, and who really knows. It may take a year it may take a few weeks. Just keep praying, and hopefully the transition will be a smooth ride - very comfortable.”
Johnson has started hearing from numerous NFL teams that may possible take him in the upcoming NFL draft.
“Well right now, I’ve heard a lot from the Patriots, Kansas City, Tennessee; there’s a lot of teams out there - the Bengals - I just talked to the 49ers the other day, and also the Steelers, but who knows?”
“Every team can show interest, and only one team can choose you, so I try not to pay to much attention, because who knows how the draft is going to go. I don’t know where I’m going to go, my agent doesn’t know where I’m going to go, but as long as you get that opportunity to play, whoever it is, I’m ready to go to work for them.”
The Kentucky wide receiver also said the workouts have been “intense.”
“They’ve been intense. I like it actually, meeting the coaches, the wide receiver coaches, and the individual workouts - those are pretty neat - like the routes test that they run; it’s pretty neat. So it’s pretty intense, but it’s the life that you want to live, so it’s tough, but hard work pays off like they say. And I understand that so much, when we were doing the individual workouts.”
“And at the combine and stuff, meeting with GM’s and everything, it was great because they’re so into that business thing. You’ve got what you put in, and that’s pretty much it.”
According to Johnson, neither he nor his agents have an idea of where he will be drafted. But one thing’s for sure. He’s happy enough just to be getting the opportunity to play in the NFL.
“Well I know there will be a lot of work to get done, and I know I have a lot more learning to do. It’s a completely different game from the college level, and these are grown men out there, and I mean - it’s basically a job now.”
“I think I’ll do pretty well, but really who knows. There’s a lot of work to do, and I’ll hopefully get the better end of it. I’ll just do a lot of work like I did at Kentucky, and hopefully I’m just blessed, to have a nice long season and a healthy season.”