Name: Anthony Johnson
School: Texas Southern/Kent State
Position: Outside Linebacker/Defensive End
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 240
Q: What were some of your goals heading into your final collegiate season?
Well I finished my collegiate career as a graduate transfer and came to Texas Southern. My goal was honestly to have fun playing the game I love, giving it all I got, and mentoring the younger guys on the team. Also, to play in a system such as 3-4.
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
Athletic, Smart, Swagger.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
Well, I trained with former Miami Dolphin All-Pro wide out Chris Chambers in Davie, Florida, which is right up the road from me, being that I’m from Miami.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
I look for formations and opponents’ tendencies, especially with O-linemen. Outside of formations, they tend to be the tip off of what’s to come from little things such low hat, high hat.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
Well I moved down in the trenches, but I was a former safety all my life from little league to high school, even my first year of Jr college. I received offers coming out of high school for safety, so my skill set and athletic ability to be able to drop in coverage or run with a tight end or line up over a wide out and get hands on them is second nature.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
Versatility is key for me, it’s not about who is the strongest or fastest all the time, it’s who will be able to adapt the fastest and pick up on things quickly. Being that I can do so much athletically, being able to line off the edge as a stand up in, or off as a LB, or play in space, I know I can bring so much to the table.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
I understand the political aspect to the game, but if I get a chance, I’ll make your team. Been an underdog all my life, so I’m in familiar territory. Where I’m from, when the odds against you, we call that “Easy Money”.