Ex-Husker Johnson shows his versatility to pro scouts

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BYKENHAMBLETON

Trevor Johnson did more and did better than anybody, including the 20 or so NFL scouts in attendance, could have expected Wednesday at the pros testing day for former Nebraska football players.

The NUteam captain and four-time Academic All-Big 12 defensive end improved his test performances and showed his abilities for more than two hours in Cook Pavilion.

"I got a little tired, but I thought I'd show some versatility for the scouts," said Johnson.

First, he went through defensive line drills - short, quick pass rushes and use of hands.

Then, he worked through the outside linebacker drills - pass drops, backing up, making quick reads on where a run might be expected.

Finally, for the first time in almost four years, he drilled as a tight end - running different routes, catching passes.

Through it all, Johnson turned in a 4.67-second time in the 40-yard dash, 38 inches in the vertical jump and a :06.88 time in the "three-cone" run.

"All my tests were better than I did in the NFL Combine (two weeks ago in Indianapolis)," Johnson said. "At the combine, they put you through so many tests, poked at my knee a lot, and by the end of three days I was physically and mentally exhausted. Then we did the workouts for the coaches and scouts.

"I think getting a little rest before these tests in Lincoln helped me."

As for the addition, or a return, to tight end, Johnson said he felt comfortable playing on offense or defense.

"I think versatility might be a big thing when a team looks at me for the draft," said the 6-foot-4, 250-pound former honorable mention all-conference end.

"My agent prepared me well for all this testing and suggested that adding a little to what I do might help."

Johnson, the 1999 Journal Star Prep Athlete of the Year from Lincoln Northeast, came to Nebraska as a tight end. He played in 10 games at that position in 2000.

He switched to defensive end the next spring and played in 10 games and on special teams. By 2002, he was a regular starter and he finished his career last season with his best season.

Although slowed by a knee injury in August, he bounced back quickly and overcame the minor instability of a partially torn medial collateral ligament to finished with 63 tackles (seven for loss), two quarterback sacks and two caused fumbles.

Mike McCarthy, a scout for the San Diego Chargers, said many former Huskers did well in Wednesday's tests and said Johnson's work at three positions was impressive. Other scouts contacted after the testing declined comment.

Johnson said he learned from his agent and other former Huskers who have been drafted that comments from scouts and commentary on the Internet about draft prospects, mean little.

Ryon Bingham said he was told the same thing about trying to predict the draft.

"I had better times in the 40 and the agility run and the vertical jump," said the defensive tackle from Utah. "I think a lot of guys had pretty good days.

"Josh Sewell, Robin Miller, Patrick Kabongo and some others seemed to do well," he said.

All-Big 12 linebacker Demorrio Williams, quarterback Jammal Lord and tailback Josh Davis also attended the testing.

"Now, you wait for phone calls from teams that want private workouts and you wait for the phone to ring on draft days," Johnson said.

Reach Ken Hambleton at 473-7313 or at khambleton@;journalstar.com.