Jerrod Johnson of Texas A&M ~ 6.4/245
"A big, strong athlete who has an average arm and really throws an ugly football. Struggles to cleanly spin the football and passes rarely come out of his hands clean. Exhibits decent touch down the field and has the ability to drop throws into the hands of his receiver's outstretched arms. However, the ball will hang on him vertically. Does a good job anticipating throws in the pass game and has a real feel of when to let go of the football outside the numbers. Demonstrates a wind up in his release and tends to hold the ball a bit low at times, further elongating his throwing motion. But he exhibits impressive body control when asked to throw on the move, displaying the ability to generate good torque from his waist and showcases above-average accuracy when his feet aren't set. Is a gifted athlete who exhibits a good feel in the pocket, and he does a nice job buying time for his teammates and can create on his own. However, has a tendency to drop his eye level once he feels pressure, and although he will move to set up the pass, he needs to do a better job keeping his eyes down the field more efficiently.
He's come a long way since his freshman year and seemed to take some steps forward taking care of the ball as a junior, but has been turnover prone at times in 2010. He's still limited in his ability to quickly decipher information and work his progressions from one side of the field to the other. Consistently cuts the field in half and will stare down his initial reads. But, did a much better job this year making quicker decisions in the pocket, identifying coverages and getting the ball out of his hands. However, he isn't real polished from the waist down and gets really sloppy with his footwork at times. Consistently gets happy feet waiting for his receivers to uncover and doesn't consistently maintain a proper throwing base to stride into his passes, which causes his accuracy to get spotty at times. Nevertheless, he's a good enough athlete to break contain and threaten defense with his feet.
Impression: A developmental type quarterback who possesses above-average athletic ability, but is sloppy with his mechanics, doesn't throw a clean football and lacks great arm strength."
He's come a long way since his freshman year and seemed to take some steps forward taking care of the ball as a junior, but has been turnover prone at times in 2010. He's still limited in his ability to quickly decipher information and work his progressions from one side of the field to the other. Consistently cuts the field in half and will stare down his initial reads. But, did a much better job this year making quicker decisions in the pocket, identifying coverages and getting the ball out of his hands. However, he isn't real polished from the waist down and gets really sloppy with his footwork at times. Consistently gets happy feet waiting for his receivers to uncover and doesn't consistently maintain a proper throwing base to stride into his passes, which causes his accuracy to get spotty at times. Nevertheless, he's a good enough athlete to break contain and threaten defense with his feet.
Impression: A developmental type quarterback who possesses above-average athletic ability, but is sloppy with his mechanics, doesn't throw a clean football and lacks great arm strength."
"Accuracy: Has improved his ability to hit targets on shorter timing throws, when his man sits holes in zone coverage, or when floating the ball down the field, but accuracy drops when his man is on the move or needing to drive the ball on intermediate out routes. Receivers have to adjust to too many high, low and wide throws. Fair touch on passes down the seam/sidelines and end zone fades, but often comes up short or throw the ball too far inside, relying on his receiver to make a play instead of the defender. Tighter and more disciplined NFL coverage might cause him problems at the next level.
Arm Strength: Impresses with his arm strength, capable of stretching the field vertically and throwing across the field to open receivers. Floats too many balls, however, instead of stepping into throws to drive them. Ball does not come out of his hand consistently clean; it can be wobbly, even when he has time to deliver. Is not practiced at throwing the ball in tight quarters.
Setup/Release: Must tighten up his throwing motion and improve his footwork to be an effective NFL pocket passer. Throws from the shotgun almost exclusively, though he will go under center for handoffs and the occasional play-action (has adequate ball skills, could be more consistent selling the fake). Uses a windup motion before releasing the ball, allowing rushers to hit him before the throw or get their hands into passing lanes. Throws from back foot and at different arm angles to get the ball out quickly when needed, but fails to set his feet consistently when throwing from the pocket. Gets "happy feet" waiting for receivers to get open or sensing oncoming pressure. Has improved his ball security when on the move or being sacked (four fumbles, three lost in 2009; 10-5 in 2008) but still has work to do.
Reading Defenses: Must improve reading defenses and ability to find a second receiver to succeed in the NFL. Birddogs his primary receiver, fails to look off safeties. Will check down to the flat if his first read is covered, but there's no second or third option down the field. Feels pressure, puts his head down and tries to run too often instead of finding a receiver or throwing the ball away. A bit jumpy, leaves the pocket or unloads the ball a bit earlier than needed. Looks to sideline for plays and adjustments in no-huddle.
On the Move: Athletic passer who can make plays with his feet or arm while on the move, but his size prevents him from being overly elusive in the open field. Very dangerous straight-ahead runner, however, if defensive front sevens drop into coverage and a lane opens in front of him. Completes passes throwing to his left or right, can square up and find open men quickly 10-15 yards downfield but has a big wind-up in his delivery that will allow pro defensive backs to jump the throw. Gets out of bounds instead of taking unnecessary hits, but is also willing to give up his body to get to the end zone on called draw plays. Smaller blitzers will bounce off his large frame on blitzes, he can also spin out of tackles. Won't accelerate quickly to avoid a second or third defender, however, and doesn't get rid of the ball often enough. Lacks elusiveness to break off as many as big runs against faster NFL defenses as he does in college. Carries the ball loose and low when scrambling.
Intangibles: Strong in his faith and has excellent character; is easy to root for. Mature, hard-working leader in the huddle and off the field. Father, Larry, played receiver and defensive back at Texas A&M from 1978-1980. Older brother, Marquis, was a tight end at Prairie View A&M and is now the strength and conditioning coach at Eastern Michigan. Family fostered children with disabilities. Played AAU basketball in Houston."
Arm Strength: Impresses with his arm strength, capable of stretching the field vertically and throwing across the field to open receivers. Floats too many balls, however, instead of stepping into throws to drive them. Ball does not come out of his hand consistently clean; it can be wobbly, even when he has time to deliver. Is not practiced at throwing the ball in tight quarters.
Setup/Release: Must tighten up his throwing motion and improve his footwork to be an effective NFL pocket passer. Throws from the shotgun almost exclusively, though he will go under center for handoffs and the occasional play-action (has adequate ball skills, could be more consistent selling the fake). Uses a windup motion before releasing the ball, allowing rushers to hit him before the throw or get their hands into passing lanes. Throws from back foot and at different arm angles to get the ball out quickly when needed, but fails to set his feet consistently when throwing from the pocket. Gets "happy feet" waiting for receivers to get open or sensing oncoming pressure. Has improved his ball security when on the move or being sacked (four fumbles, three lost in 2009; 10-5 in 2008) but still has work to do.
Reading Defenses: Must improve reading defenses and ability to find a second receiver to succeed in the NFL. Birddogs his primary receiver, fails to look off safeties. Will check down to the flat if his first read is covered, but there's no second or third option down the field. Feels pressure, puts his head down and tries to run too often instead of finding a receiver or throwing the ball away. A bit jumpy, leaves the pocket or unloads the ball a bit earlier than needed. Looks to sideline for plays and adjustments in no-huddle.
On the Move: Athletic passer who can make plays with his feet or arm while on the move, but his size prevents him from being overly elusive in the open field. Very dangerous straight-ahead runner, however, if defensive front sevens drop into coverage and a lane opens in front of him. Completes passes throwing to his left or right, can square up and find open men quickly 10-15 yards downfield but has a big wind-up in his delivery that will allow pro defensive backs to jump the throw. Gets out of bounds instead of taking unnecessary hits, but is also willing to give up his body to get to the end zone on called draw plays. Smaller blitzers will bounce off his large frame on blitzes, he can also spin out of tackles. Won't accelerate quickly to avoid a second or third defender, however, and doesn't get rid of the ball often enough. Lacks elusiveness to break off as many as big runs against faster NFL defenses as he does in college. Carries the ball loose and low when scrambling.
Intangibles: Strong in his faith and has excellent character; is easy to root for. Mature, hard-working leader in the huddle and off the field. Father, Larry, played receiver and defensive back at Texas A&M from 1978-1980. Older brother, Marquis, was a tight end at Prairie View A&M and is now the strength and conditioning coach at Eastern Michigan. Family fostered children with disabilities. Played AAU basketball in Houston."
"Bio: Played in seven games as a senior, finishing with 56.6%/1947/14/9. All-Conference selection as a junior, putting up 59.6%/3579/20/8. Underwent shoulder surgery on his throwing arm in March 2010.
Positive: Large, physically gifted quarterback coming off a terrible season. Patient in the pocket, buys time for receivers, and steps up to avoid the rush. Possesses a big arm, powers the ball through tight spots, puts air under deep throws, and leads receivers with the pass. Sells ball fakes, easily gets rid of the pass with a flick of his wrist, and very athletic. Possesses terrific stature in the pocket and can take off up the field and pick up yards as a runner.
Negative: Throws with poor footwork, often releasing the ball off his back foot. Inaccurate, sprays passes all over the field, and misses wide-open receivers. Throws with an inconsistent release point. Does not put touch on passes when necessary. Indecisive in the pocket and makes poor choices under the rush.
Analysis: Johnson looked like one of the better passers in the nation after his junior year. Hampered by a shoulder injury throughout his senior season, his game took a major step backwards and now he's a bit of a risk after getting benched midway through the 2010 season. Johnson possesses all the physical skills to start at the next level but must improve his mechanics and decision making before he'll step under center in the NFL."
Positive: Large, physically gifted quarterback coming off a terrible season. Patient in the pocket, buys time for receivers, and steps up to avoid the rush. Possesses a big arm, powers the ball through tight spots, puts air under deep throws, and leads receivers with the pass. Sells ball fakes, easily gets rid of the pass with a flick of his wrist, and very athletic. Possesses terrific stature in the pocket and can take off up the field and pick up yards as a runner.
Negative: Throws with poor footwork, often releasing the ball off his back foot. Inaccurate, sprays passes all over the field, and misses wide-open receivers. Throws with an inconsistent release point. Does not put touch on passes when necessary. Indecisive in the pocket and makes poor choices under the rush.
Analysis: Johnson looked like one of the better passers in the nation after his junior year. Hampered by a shoulder injury throughout his senior season, his game took a major step backwards and now he's a bit of a risk after getting benched midway through the 2010 season. Johnson possesses all the physical skills to start at the next level but must improve his mechanics and decision making before he'll step under center in the NFL."
"Positives: Exceptional arm strength... Gets good zip on his intermediate throws... High ceiling... Good athlete, straight-line speed is above average for a guy his size... A threat to take off and run with the ball... Keeps his eyes downfield while scrambling... Looks like an imposing player on the field, very strong athletic build... Doesn't throw many interceptions, an above average decision maker on the field... Can be as good as he wants to be.
Negatives: Needs to get a lower trajectory on his deep throws, too often floats passes which allows the defender to close separation... Struggles with accuracy due to poor mechanics and a lack of fundamentals in his game... Disappointing senior year, was the Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year in 2010 and was benched halfway through the season after allegedly losing some of his arm strength following shoulder surgery during the off-season... Has an awkward delivery and releases the ball rather low... Will need to undergo major changes with his mechanics... Sloppy footwork, doesn't concentrate on the fundamentals... Doesn't take proper drop steps or set his feet, constantly throwing off balance... Forces throws, trusts his arm too much... Check downs to underneath routes too quickly... Immature player, gets visibly frustrated on the field and doesn't seem to take the game seriously at times... Holds the ball away from his body when he's running... Extremely raw prospect."
Negatives: Needs to get a lower trajectory on his deep throws, too often floats passes which allows the defender to close separation... Struggles with accuracy due to poor mechanics and a lack of fundamentals in his game... Disappointing senior year, was the Big 12 Preseason Offensive Player of the Year in 2010 and was benched halfway through the season after allegedly losing some of his arm strength following shoulder surgery during the off-season... Has an awkward delivery and releases the ball rather low... Will need to undergo major changes with his mechanics... Sloppy footwork, doesn't concentrate on the fundamentals... Doesn't take proper drop steps or set his feet, constantly throwing off balance... Forces throws, trusts his arm too much... Check downs to underneath routes too quickly... Immature player, gets visibly frustrated on the field and doesn't seem to take the game seriously at times... Holds the ball away from his body when he's running... Extremely raw prospect."
"Jerrod Johnson started his senior season as a Heisman hopeful, but will end it watching a converted wide receiver taking snaps. It is not because of an injury that Johnson is watching from the sidelines and that is what makes it very difficult for a player who owns many passing records at Texas A&M. Johnson was simply benched because of his poor performances. It has not helped that new quarterback Ryan Tannehill has had some great success and led the Aggies to a nice little winning streak.
Ever since his freshman campaign, Johnson has been a promising dual-threat quarterback. In 2007 he only saw action in five games and only threw seven passes, but two of those went for touchdowns and he added three more scores on the ground. In 2008 Johnson was a wide receiver before taking over the quarterback duties due to an injury to starter Stephen McGee. Starting ten games, Johnson threw for 21 touchdowns and ten interceptions. That is not too bad for a player who had no experience and was forced into duty. The 2009 season was Johnson's big year. He threw for 3,579 yards and 30 touchdowns and was only intercepted eight times. He also rushed for 506 yards and added eight more scores on the ground.
Johnson's future is probably not at quarterback, although at 6-5 and 245 pounds, he has the look of a nice dual-threat NFL quarterback. However, he has never been an efficient or accurate passer and if he cannot keep the job at Texas A&M, he certainly will not make the cut at the next level. Unless his shoulder injury seriously hindered his ability to pass or he starts working on catching the ball again, Johnson will likely go undrafted."
Ever since his freshman campaign, Johnson has been a promising dual-threat quarterback. In 2007 he only saw action in five games and only threw seven passes, but two of those went for touchdowns and he added three more scores on the ground. In 2008 Johnson was a wide receiver before taking over the quarterback duties due to an injury to starter Stephen McGee. Starting ten games, Johnson threw for 21 touchdowns and ten interceptions. That is not too bad for a player who had no experience and was forced into duty. The 2009 season was Johnson's big year. He threw for 3,579 yards and 30 touchdowns and was only intercepted eight times. He also rushed for 506 yards and added eight more scores on the ground.
Johnson's future is probably not at quarterback, although at 6-5 and 245 pounds, he has the look of a nice dual-threat NFL quarterback. However, he has never been an efficient or accurate passer and if he cannot keep the job at Texas A&M, he certainly will not make the cut at the next level. Unless his shoulder injury seriously hindered his ability to pass or he starts working on catching the ball again, Johnson will likely go undrafted."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Jerrod Johnson:
2010 was an Horror Show for the young Quarter Back who had been mentioned as an Heisman candidate, before the season. Jerrod Johnson has tremendous raw skills, but raw, indeed, they be, and I cannot help but imagine that he might be better off converting to Wing Back, even at this late hour.
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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