Darrin Johnson and recruiting

[GrapevineMustang]

There are conflicting reports out there about whether Johnson will be a tight end or a defensive end. Personally, after seeing him on tape as a high school senior and after seeing him in practice, I don't think he should play either spot.

We are gaining numbers at defensive end with the additions of Desmond Jones and Lucky DeLay. And we have several tight ends in Ryan Kennedy, Trent Hrncir, Derek Swofford, etc. - playing in an offense that doesn't utilize the tight end nearly as much as the old offense. I don't think we're going to see our tight ends put up Hampton-like receiving numbers, because we simply don't throw that way as much as we used to. And from all reports, Kennedy is the best receiving tight end on the roster. How much would Johnson be used there, other than as a blocker who resembles an extra lineman?

Even with the addition of Brandon Bonds, we are thin at defensive tackle. And I still think we can use 1 or 2 more BIG offensive linemen. Wouldn't we be better off adding some weight to Johnson's enormous frame and making him a defensive tackle or offensive tackle? He's not overly fast for a defensive end or tight end, but he appears to be plenty quick to play tackle on either side of the line. And with his frame, he looks almost lanky, if that's possible for someone who already weighs 270 pounds. He looks like he could easily add another 30-50 pounds and maintain his current speed and flexibility, while gaining needed strength.

At defensive tackle, he could be a real force, capable of collapsing the pocket and knocking down passes with his long arms. At offensive tackle, he could hold off would-be pass rushers with ease. He could be an NFL-caliber player at either spot, in my opinion.

And moving him to either spot would free up an additional scholarship for another "need" player.

Thoughts / reactions?

[MustangKurt20]

I think we should leave Johnson at TE. I like a big, physical tight end for the running game. Either way he's gonna be a good one for us. I also think we're thin at DT. Maybe what we have can float us by until next recruiting season then we can turn up the heat on that position.

Kurt

[SMUFan]

Sounds good. The only problem with that theory is that every coach in America is looking for a big meaty DT. Even with the success Coach Bennett and his staff have had this year, the competition for the big boys will be extremely stiff.

Does anyone have a list of the projected top DTs in Texas for next year's class?

[Ikus]

I've got to agree with Grapevine on this. Johnson would be a great tackle, and has perhaps the best body on the team for bulking up into a huge player.

[Otto]

It's official. Darrin Johnson is staying at defensive end.

Which means we now have a defensive line that includes Allan Adami, Don Ieremia-Stansbury, some other DT and Johnson (if he starts over Melvin Williams)?

That's not nearly as puny as I feared. Darrin Johnson is a hoss!