A.J. Johnson Staying? (Unconfirmed)

#1
Volunteer_Kirby

Volunteer_Kirby

Its not what you think...
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#1
I did not see a thread about this so figured it was worth sharing. Positive news from the guys at VQ yesterday. They are usually money with these things.

Elsewhere, every indication is that A.J. Johnson will return for his final season with the Vols. NFL personnel have suggested that Johnson could potentially be a fourth- or fifth-round pick in May, but Johnson's play late in the 2013 season and development under the Vols' current coaches has some scouts believing that Johnson could tranform himself into a second- or third-round guy with another strong year. Again, nothing is definitive at this point but every indication, from sources within the program to sources familiar with NFL proceedings, suggests that Johnson will return to Rocky Top after consecutive 100-tackle seasons.
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-VQ, 12/27
 
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#2
#2
He should stay, IMO. I'm definitely no talent evaluator, but if someone like me can pick up his weaknesses just by watching it, then he'd be best served to stay another year and get better and faster.
 
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#3
#3
This is great news for the Vols if true. I'm disappointed for AJ that his grade is that low, but I think another year will really help him. With Maggitt back, the LB group should be better even if Maggitt moves to DE, which I'm expecting.
 
#4
#4
I love seeing the scouts acknowledging his growth as a result of the coaching staff. That is reassuring to see that the coaches on the defensive side are building on that side of the ball despite the poor performance on the field. It's too bad for AJ that he wasn't given the chance to grow his first two years he was here under the prior staff. Better late than never though. And I do feel he will be doing himself a favor(as well as Tennessee) by staying and getting in another year of growth. His pocket book and his likelihood to make it in the pros will be much greater with another year of experience.
 
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#5
#5
A.J. come back for your senior year and help get UT back where it belongs and the young guys coming in get off to a good start! They need your leadership! Go Vols!!! :rock2:
 
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#7
#7
I think if AJ comes back it will help with the development of some the young talent we have coming in on that side of the ball. It will allow the younger guys to learn and not have to be put in situations they aren't ready for. If AJ decides to leave then I wish him luck and hope he does well at the next level.
 
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#8
#8
Its easy AJ. Run through the ball carrier and wrap up as if you do not have any hands. Also, with the return and infusion of talent you wont be asked to do things out of your comfort zone.
 
#9
#9
I know the scouts attribute some of his progress to coaching, but not having Maggitt beside him created more responsibility and he answered the bell by carrying the linebacker corps.

His stock will go up with one more year and his pass coverage will improve.

I would like to see "the beast" package on short yardage for a few plays in 2014.

Either way, he is a VFL and I will support him.
 
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#10
#10
Volunteer_Kirby said:
I did not see a thread about this so figured it was worth sharing. Positive news from the guys at VQ yesterday. They are usually money with these things.



-VQ, 12/27
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That's good news. Hopefully with Maggitt and possibly JRM or Bates or Weatherd surrounding him at the other LBs, Butch and Jancek can scheme up the D that better accentuates AJ's strengths which is making a lot of tackles around the line of scrimmage.... and not ask him to get out in coverage on 3rd downs.
 
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#12
#12
supersmo18 said:
He should stay, IMO. I'm definitely no talent evaluator, but if someone like me can pick up his weaknesses just by watching it, then he'd be best served to stay another year and get better and faster.
Click to expand...

While I certainly agree with you on all points I'm really concerned about that last point...getting faster...probably the most difficult thing to do with a player...speed is usually God given and can only be enhanced if its already there...but I wish the best for him....
 
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#14
#14
Volunteer_Kirby said:
I did not see a thread about this so figured it was worth sharing. Positive news from the guys at VQ yesterday. They are usually money with these things.



-VQ, 12/27
Click to expand...

I hope he does great in the league, but if you look like you are running in molasses in college what will it be like at the next level?
 
#17
#17
AJ is a big hitter, but he bites on misdirection plays, and is terrible at pass coverage, especially covering a rb out of the backfield.

He should stay and improve his skills in theses areas, and after next season he stands a decent chance at getting drafted.
 
#18
#18
I love this guy and the effort he has brought to the team the last three years. Like others have said, I am no talent evaluator, but I also think he definitely should stay. He needs another year of development and the leadership he could provide these young studs that are coming in would be huge. I am concerned about his sideline to sideline speed at the NFL level.
 
#19
#19
Shouldn't surprise anybody if he stays, constantly outta position, constantly taking bad angles, can't cover anyone outta the backfield.. another year might do him wonders..
 
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#21
#21
if he wants to play football that would be the smart thing to do, his speed time is going to make him fall in the draft, I know its not all about the 40, but you got to have sideline to sideline speed in the NFL.
 
#24
#24
I would hate to see him go. He is one of my favorite players on the team. He is constantly in motion. Sometimes that's a bad thing when he is over pursuing but I would rather see that than guys giving up on the play.
 
#25
#25
tennrich1 said:
While I certainly agree with you on all points I'm really concerned about that last point...getting faster...probably the most difficult thing to do with a player...speed is usually God given and can only be enhanced if its already there...but I wish the best for him....
Click to expand...

That's true. We can only hope. :)
 
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