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What does Oakland Raider Corner back Chris Johnson have in common with Devin Hester, Pac Man Jones and Deion Sanders?
Prime University.
Prime U is an informal camp held by Sanders this off season at SMU for some very lucky young high school athletes (Including Deion's son) and NFL players looking to take their game to the next level. Johnson, Hester, Jones and others were attendees at this years get together.
The 28 yr old Johnson, a 6th year Pro, started his career after College at Louisville by being the first of 4 Green Bay Packer seventh round draft choices in the 2003 draft. (245th overall)
He was acquired by St. Louis in 2005 in a deal that included former #1 draft pick and current Raider team mate, line backer Robert Thomas. With the Rams he played in 14 games, posted 25 tackles, a forced fumble and interestingly, 38 kick off returns for 857 yds and a TD.
On April 18th, 2006 he signed a 2 year deal with division rival the Kansas City Chiefs.
He officially became a Raider after signing a free agent contract March 22, 2007 and saw limited action in 13 games.
Johnson may have attempted to up his skills at Prime U, but Jerry MacDonald of ANG, reported Johnson suffered in 7 on 7 drills this past Tuesday, getting beat by reserve receiver Chris McFoy.
It is hoped though, some of the lessons and wisdom passed on to Johnson will help him compete and make the Raider roster, stocked already with DBs DeAngelo Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha and Stanford Routt.
In his favor, it seems, is the release this off season of struggling 5-11, 175 lb. corner back Fabian Washington, who had trouble in man coverage with larger receivers and backs breaking contain.
Safety and former team mate Stuart Schwiegert lamented Oakland defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s use of what he called a “gimmick” Defense know as Cover -O, which puts DBs in peril in man on man match ups and often on an island.
Johnson, or “The “X” man, fits in better with Oaklands current DB’s if only in size.
The Pro Bowl caliber Asomugha and Hall are 6-2, 210 and 5-11, 201. Rising star Routt is listed 6-1, 195 and 2008 4th round draft pick (the pick acquired from the Baltimore trade for Washington, himself a 23rd overall selection in the 1st round 3 yrs ago) Connecticut connection, Tyvon Branch, who has the size and speed the Raiders crave too, topping out at 6-0, 204 lbs.
Johnson has made a career out of playing the under dog and performing well enough to make rosters, but if wants to ever seriously compete in the NFL and land a larger contract, his chances are likely running out. He’ll need to learn not only from former greats at the position, but take advantage of the Pro bowl grade instructors he'll see daily at the University of Silver and Black.
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