Collin Johnson
Wide Receiver / Texas
Ed Hunt: How did it feel out there during the Senior Bowl practice?
Collin Johnson: It felt great. Playing the sport that you love, football, the best people in the nation. It doesn’t get better than that. I’m very fortunate just to be out here and I’m just embracing an opportunity to get better.
Ed Hunt: I was curious. You were eligible last year and you were in the draft picture. What made you want to stay at Texas?
Collin Johnson: After the season, I had to make a decision. I felt it was best for me to stay in school because I wanted three things. I wanted to get my degree, play in a championship and play with my brother. I got two of the three. I’ll take that any day. My senior year didn’t go the way that I wanted in terms of not winning a championship, a lot of injuries but I wouldn’t change it for the world because I feel like I am a better player/person because of it.
Ed Hunt: In my opinion, I noticed better route running from you during the Senior Bowl. Is that something you have been working on in training or something you’ve learned out here from the Bengals coaches?
Collin Johnson: It’s a little bit of everything. I try to do just whatever I can learn. I just hop on it and try to learn. Whether it’s from the coaches or a scout. When I meet with scouts, I ask them if they have any advice for me. I just want to know how to get better.
Ed Hunt: Can you tell me about the other receiver here Devin Duvernay?
Collin Johnson: Beast!
Ed Hunt: How would you compare yourself to Lil’Jordan Humphrey, yourself and Duvernay?
Collin Johnson: LJ is a great player. Obviously big, physical guy and breaks tackles. It was definitely fun playing with him and then Duvernay…if you could go in the lab and come out with a slot receiver, it should be Duvernay. His build, his speed and his hands. He is a great player. And then obviously, I am big, but also a little savvy for my size. I want to show that I am physical and tough. I also can find space and route concepts. I’m just a playmaker.
Ed Hunt: What can you tell me about your quarterback Sam Ehlinger?
Collin Johnson: Sam is just the ultimate competitor. Really the most competitive guy that I’ve been around. And just a leader man and a hell of a football player.
Ed Hunt: Is there a player you like to watch film on to model your game off of?
Collin Johnson: All of them. If you are great then I watch you, and I feel like I can take something from their game and apply it to mine. I watch Julio’s ability to be a big receiver and get out of breaks. I watch Davante Adams and his release, AJ Green and his acrobatic way to catch the ball. You can just take different things from different players and apply it to your game.
Ed Hunt: You were in shells today, so not a lot of blocking. How would you gauge your interest in blocking?
Collin Johnson: Oh, I love blocking. I’ll do whatever helps the team win.
Ed Hunt: Was there a favorite team growing up?
Collin Johnson: Not really per say. I really follow players. If I like a player on a team, I will turn on the tv and tune into the game and watch. We try to learn stuff from them. Mainly receivers. Great players. Any great player, I’ll watch.
Ed Hunt: When was the point you realized you wanted to be an NFL player?
Collin Johnson: When I was a kid period. Before I put on a helmet. Obviously, growing up in the football family. I used to beg my dad to play football when I was like five. You had to wait till you were seven to play tackle football. I had to wait. Felt like forever, but I was excited when I got that opportunity to play.
Ed Hunt: What star recruit were you out of high school?
Collin Johnson: I think a four star. I don’t pay much attention to that stuff.
Ed Hunt: Were you highly recruited by a lot of major schools?
Collin Johnson: Per say, but I committed when I was like a sophomore and then just stayed committed to Texas.
Ed Hunt: Who was the best corner you faced in the Big 12?
Collin Johnson: In the Big 12, I couldn’t say one, but this year the LSU secondary was challenging.
