There’s a young man that football fans are just beginning to learn about. He will be in the NFL’s 2008 draft of college football players and has risen from out of nowhere to become a possible third or fourth round draft choice. With the NFL’s college football player combine now in everyone’s rearview mirror, he is currently considered the fifth best quarterback in the draft. His name is Josh Johnson and he played his college ball at the University of San Diego, a I-AA program in Southern California.
Josh is from Oakland, California, where he attended the same high school, Oakland Technical, which baseball’s Ricky Henderson and football’s Marshawn #### attended. He enjoyed significant success while playing for the Bulldogs, where he threw for 1,900 yards and 22 touchdowns with just two interceptions his senior season, leading his team to the football championship in the very competitive Oakland Athletic League. But despite this, Josh Johnson was disappointed by not receiving a single scholarship offer to play at the next level. His size was the problem. Playing at six foot tall while weighing in at 150 pounds his senior year, no I-A programs were interested. He was recruited by three different small colleges but without financial assistance. Josh thought it over and realized that the San Diego Toreros’ program under then coach Jim Harbaugh was the best fit for his skills. He applied for grants, financial aid, and took out student loans, he kept his grades up, and was able to continue playing the game that he loves. The dual threat Johnson was a back-up his freshman year to a senior quarterback. Then, while leading the Toreros from his sophomore through senior seasons, he set school records in almost every quarterback category while running the West Coast Offense. In 2006 the Toreros went undefeated and for the first time in school history was ranked in the nation’s FCS top twenty-five. Josh led the nation in combined offensive output that year with 4,040 total yards. By the time his senior season rolled around Josh stood over six foot two inches tall and weighed 200 pounds. Following are Josh Johnson’s senior year statistics with the Toreros:
In addition, Josh Johnson should graduate this spring with a Major in Communications and a Minor in Business Administration.
A three time FCS All-American at the conclusion of his senior season, Josh was then named to play in Houston’s East-West Shrine Game last January where he would, for the first time, play against an all star team made up primarily of FBS competition. Playing in the second and fourth quarters, Josh completed five of eleven passing attempts for 78 yards and one touchdown while rushing 93 yards on three carries. The West won the game 31-13 and Josh won the game’s Most Valuable Player award.
Next on Josh’s football calendar was the NFL Combine. In this chance to raise his value in the eyes of the NFL’s personnel people, Josh’s well honed passing skills inexplicably didn’t show well, leaving some scouts to question whether he was made of the “right stuff”. The fact remains that there are reels of film that clearly display Josh’s passing skills and cool demeanor under game conditions. Here are some of the vital statistics gleaned from Josh’s combine workout:
Height 6’3”, Weight 213 pounds, Position – QB, 2nd Position – WR/Athlete, 40 Time – 4.55, 40 Low – 4.48, 40 High – 4.64, Projected Round – 3rd, Stock – Rated 5th out of 110 quarterbacks, 73rd out of 2,549 Total.
During an interview at the combine, Josh answered a couple of questions that should give everyone a good look at where he is:
Q: Experiences at small school that someone from a place like USC wouldn’t know about, the small crowd…
Johnson: That’s one thing, we play in front of a small crowd. You don’t get a lot of attention outside of your city. I can go outside and nobody probably would notice me. That’s just life as a small school player, and another is, the thing I got to experience was it was all people who love to play football. Nobody came in with a five-star tag on them. No one was highly recruited. We were all paying for school and we all just wanted to play football in college and we worked real hard for it. That’s why I appreciated being there.
Q: Success of I-AA quarterbacks, Romo, McNair, Gannon, cause for optimism?
Johnson: I’m going to go in with the same mentality regardless, because, we came from the same level but we all went through different systems, different coaches, we all have different playing styles. They may appreciate things like I appreciate them because they went to a smaller school, but when it comes to playing on the field, it’s all going to be different. People have different approaches to the game, they all play the game differently. It’s good in a way that you see people who kind of came from where you came from doing well, but you really can’t take their approach. If you try to emulate someone else you can get sidetracked. You can’t copy what they did because they did it differently.
San Diego has scheduled two on campus Pro Days on March 7th and 13th. This will be Josh Johnson’s last chance to show off his athletic abilities prior to the late April NFL Draft. Based upon how he has conducted his life to this point, it’s not much of a stretch to believe Josh Johnson will once again show well. This young man may be one of those proverbial “steals” in this draft and it will be interesting to see which team ends up drafting him. Two teams to date have shown open interest in Josh, the Baltimore Ravens (under new Head Coach John Harbaugh, brother to Josh's former coach Jim Harbaugh) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who run the West Coast Offense…
Hey Dwindy, great post on an outstanding young man. The NFL needs more men like Josh Johnson. I wish him nothing but the best. I believe if the Ravens draft him, he'll be starting in 2009. He's shown a willingness to put in the work, he's of good character, plus he's a dual threat with his arm and his legs.
I heard of Josh's prowess last year and have tried to follow his progress. The Shrine game was televised and I finally got to see him in action. I think in the right situation he may turn out to be a very good NFL QB and the good Lord knows there is a need for a few good QBs in the NFL!
I'm sorry, but did that say 43 TD and 1 INT? I don't care what division you play in, that is pretty remarkable. Any of his wideouts attend the combine? If so, how did they fare?
Ok, I should have the following set for pasting at all times.
"Many of the best players weren't early draftees. They kept maturing and growing in the pros. Their hunger set them apart from the mega-signing-bonus babies who aren't as good as advertised.
You were a lightweight! This is a guy that wants it. When no big time program would take a chance he was proactive. I like it, especially since he apparently is going to succeed... His stock dropped a little at the combine. We'll know how far when the draft comes along...
Thanks for the comments and glad you're in the BB league!
Yep, that's no typo. His explanation for not turning the ball over goes clear back to his high school days when he said his coach would literally scream at him about turnovers. His senior year at Oakland Tech he threw 2 ints vs. 22 TDs. His lone interception last season hit his tight end's shoulder pad and bounced to a defender!
The draft is a big #### shoot. On ESPN today they interviewed Ryan Leaf. It's hard to believe that over half of the so-called experts had him rated over Peyton Manning that draft. Just shows to go ya!
This guy just might make it with the built in hunger...
Dwindy1
I don't know whether or not this kid can pan out and make it within the league. As we all know it's a hard thing just to be noticed when you're from a division 1AA school. But if he's t prevail then he's going to have to show his worth. He has the makings of a Steve McNair from what I've been told.
Hi Al! How are you today? I'm just bein lazy sorry to say...
In the East - West game Josh Johnson really impressed me. He looked like everything was under control both inside and outside of the pocket. Very smooth, fluid runner. Strong arm. We'll see how he does!
I think I'm a little older than you. I can remember when a young QB out of Louisiana Tech entered the NFL. There were a lot of nay sayers that said he was just a big guy that could throw the ball a long way but it was a certainty he wouldn't become a big star in the NFL as they alluded to his mental powers... Terry Bradshaw had one hell of a team around him, but he was the trigger man and today he owns 4 rings... I'm not saying young Johnson will enjoy the same kind of career, but his beginnings into the NFL are much the same.
This kid will get the same respect as 7th rounder Tom Brady. None. Same with Brennan. I hope this kid has great success. Very nice post and excellent writing!
Lisa, I believe that Brady was taken in the 5th round. Not sure, just thinking aloud.
Dwindy- I think you are too, no offense. But, to even start to compare this kid to TB is a naive stretch, no offense. But, I've been wrong before, then again, who hasn't (wink wink) LOL!
I certainly hope it pans out for the young man and considering the sorry state of quarterbacking in the NFL just maybe it will. It makes me wonder if the game has gone too far concerning the quarterback position. In days gone by there were men playing the game for the pure love of it and they were great performers. Josh kept playing in college for the love of the game. Who knows?
I'd like to see some pre-draft QB reviews from days gone by. How many "can't miss" players were washouts and how many long shots made the grade. It might be very surprising! No, I differ with you. I don't believe I'm being naive... As I recall the Steelers spent a couple of years wavering between TB and Joe Gilliam before finally settling on Terry to start for them. Then there was friction between Bradshaw and Coach Noll. Bradshaws ultimate records make any comparison pale, but the early years might turn out to be quite comparable.
He is schooled in the West Coast Offense and teams like the Seahawks and Buccaneers that play versions of it might take a long hard look at him. I know the Seahawks have three QBs but would consider a 4th so that they could use Seneca Wallace as a wide receiver.
Dwindy,
Great post! What I really like about this kid is he sounds like a real hard working,smart and has a humble attitude. Sometimes I think people look at size and think that really matters when in fact you can't measure the heart of a man. I witsh this kid all the luck in the world and hope he makes it. Sports needs more good character guys like this.
I agree, we need people of character throughout society. I was drawn to Josh by his football accomplishments but I really appreciate the way he got where he is. It wasn't just handed to him, he had to earn it. That's why I hope he is able to take the next step against all odds and makes it in the NFL...
you are right Dwindy that's exactly what society needs. People who will work hard for what they have and not only that but appreciate what they've got as well. I really hate the fact that some people and athletes feel as if the world owes them something. This kid however deserves the good life or atleast a chance at it. I think he'll be fine as he worked hard to get where he is now and will do the same to impress some coach and GM to take a chance.
Once again great post, we need more post around here like this. Why should all the bad guys get publicity. You are very welcome to mon'ami.
Great insightful article, I actually learned of a new player instead of hear the SOS...The world of sports needs more humble kids who have to fight their way to the top instead of kids who are touted as the greatest thing since sliced bread since the age of 10. Everyone knows MJ got cut from his high school b-ball team, I could only hope this kid shows the same kind of character for not being recruited to a major FBS program.
Great to hear your opinions... Here's hoping the Josh Johnsons of this world make it big. They're on the right track if hard work means anything, and I'm sure it does.
Dwindy1
If he really has what it takes then certainly he'll be picked up by a team. Be it as a starter or as a backup. Afterall they all have to start somewhere don't they ?
Even the likes of Brady and Young had to benchwarmers before their careers blossomed in the end.
The data below is from the Dallas Morning news following Josh's combine tryout. Wasn't good.
Player Stock Dropping Fast
5. Josh Johnson
QB, San Diego
The NFL really wanted to embrace this long shot. He played non-scholarship, Division III football at San Diego – not San Diego State – and put up incredible numbers there. Johnson completed 68 percent of his passes as a senior with 43 touchdowns and only one interception. He threw for 73 TDs and had only 15 interceptions in 1,065 career passes. But Johnson was erratic at the combine throwing to bigger, faster receivers than he had in college. He struggled to throw spirals.
I mentioned that his "well honed passing skills inexplicably didn’t show well, leaving some scouts to question whether he was made of the “right stuff”."
I hope his hard work pays off during the pro workouts on campus... If he suddenly had a fit of nerves that sure doesn't bode well...
Gotta love the 150 pounders. They are usually 50 pounds of muscle and 100 pounds of heart. technically 150 pounds of muscle since the heart is a muscle.
I'm a sports fanatic living on the west coast of Florida. I'm a rare bird that moved here from the left coast a couple of years ago. I advocate an even playing field in all of life's endeavors.
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skills. He applied for grants, financial aid, and took out student loans, he kept his grades up, and was able to continue playing the game that he loves. The dual threat Johnson was a back-up his freshman year to a senior quarterback. Then, while leading the 
Toreros from his sophomore through senior seasons, he set school records in almost every quarterback category while running the West Coast Offense. In 2006 the Toreros went undefeated and for the first time in school history was ranked in the nation’s FCS top twenty-five. Josh led the nation in combined offensive output that year with 4,040 total yards. By the time his senior season rolled around Josh stood over six foot two inches tall and weighed 200 pounds. Following are Josh Johnson’s senior year statistics with the Toreros: 
A three time FCS All-American at the conclusion of his senior season, Josh was then named to play in Houston’s East-West Shrine Game last January where he would, for the first time, play against an all star team made up primarily of FBS competition. Playing in the second and fourth quarters, Josh completed five of eleven passing attempts for 78 yards and one touchdown while rushing 93 yards on three carries. The West won the game 31-13 and Josh won the game’s Most Valuable Player award. 
