DARIUS JOHNSON: A year older, a year wiser

[PonyPride]

Wide receiver Darius Johnson arrived at SMU last year amid a swirl of expectations, as fans and media alike predicted immediate success for the freshman wideout. Johnson did score a touchdown in his first game, but also faced his share of adversity, including an injury that could have ended his first season almost before it started and a suspension from the team.

Johnson visited with PonyFans.com to discuss his now-healthy shoulder, the reasons for his suspension and what he learned from both incidents and how he is improving for a much-improved sophomore season.

http://www.ponyfans.com/features/index.php?id=175

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[ponynut]

Great read. Looking forward to his performance on the field.

[Casey]

I agree — great read.
We've all heard a lot of players talk about DJ's talent — if he can harness that and apply the focus to go with it, we might have a real stud on our hands.

[SMUFan]

He has the talent. If he can get his focus to match his physical ability, then he could become the star some predicted he would when he was recruited.

[Cadillac]

It seems to me that WR in this offense is a pretty tough transition from High school. Because of the adjustments that have to be made at the line with regard to routes, and the fact that the WR and the QB have to be on the same page, I think it would take an exceptionally smart athlete to be able to excel as a True Freshman. From this article it could well be that Johnson didn't fully appreciate the change, and that he could rely on his physical ability alone to carry him.

With that change in attitude and a full year of exposure to the system under his belt the sky really does seem to be limit for him. And while he won't be able to set the Freshman record books on fire, there are plenty of other records that could fall in the next 3 years if he maintains his health and focus.

-CoS

[PoconoPony]

Seems like he has grown up and the proof will be seen on the field.

[Mestengo]

Made me want to pack up the car, set up on the vard, & get ready for the game.

[smuuth]

The talent must be there. Surprised that D1 coaches still made offers knowing that he had a poor work ethic in high school(according to his quote in article). I wonder if high school coaches informed the recruiters about this. I always thought recruits were offered based on talent and work ethic in the class and on the field so his talent must weigh heavily in his favor if they did.

[Junior]

Great article. Sounds like DJ has matured a lot and is ready to live up to the high expectations everyone has for him.

Go Ponies!