Quinn Johnson | Fullback | Louisiana State | 6'1" - 250 lbs.


OVERVIEW
With Jacob Hester having graduated, Johnson, a former linebacker, finally got the opportunity to be the Tigers' full-time starter at fullback. Prior to the 2006 season, the coaches approached the then sophomore and asked him to move to the offensive side of the ball. He was reluctant to make the move, but the staff promised that he would get much more playing time than he did during a trying freshman season on defense.

Johnson loves to hit, so lead blocking for the Tigers physical running game turned out to be a perfect fit. Despite playing on a team that featured standout offensive linemen like Herman Johnson and Ciron Black, he ranked second on the team with eleven touchdown-resulting blocks in 2008.

At West St. John High School, Johnson was regarded as one of the top prep linebackers in the state. He was a member of the Baton Rouge Advocate Super Dozen as well as being selected to the New Orleans Times-Picayune's Top 20 Blue- Chip list. He earned All-District honors in 2002 after making 122 tackles.

Along with present LSU teammate, defensive lineman Tyson Jackson, Johnson helped lead his team to a 14-1 record and the state Class 2A championship in 2003. He also saw action at fullback, rushing for 800 yards and eleven touchdowns as a junior.

In 2004, Johnson redshirted at Louisiana State, where he competed on the scout team as an outside linebacker. He appeared in just one contest the following season, recording one solo tackle in the Mississippi State. He shifted to fullback in 2006, appearing in twelve games, but carried just twice for 6 yards.

With Jacob Hester shuffling between fullback and tailback in 2007, Johnson had the opportunity to start four of the fourteen games he appeared in. He did not get a chance to carry the pigskin, but caught three balls for 21 yards and posted 35 knockdowns.

Johnson started ten games as a senior. He scored three times on fourteen rushing attempts, producing 28 yards (2.0 avg). He registered 72 knockdowns and caught a pair of passes for 33 yards. He also recovered two on side kicks for 14 yards in returns.

CAREER NOTES
Johnson started 14-of-40 games at Louisiana State, carrying the ball sixteen times for 34 yards (2.13 avg) and two touchdowns... Caught five passes for 54 yards (10.8 avg) and had two kickoff returns for 14 yards... Recorded five tackles (3 solos) and collected 107 knock-downs, including fifteen touchdown-resulting blocks.

2008 SEASON
Johnson started ten games, coming off the bench vs. North Texas, Florida and Mississippi while appearing in thirteen contests... Carried fourteen times for 28 yards (2.0 avg) and three touchdowns, but also turned the ball over on a fumble...Caught two passes for 33 yards (16.5 avg) and returned two kickoffs for 14 yards (7.0 avg)...Made 72 knockdowns, including eleven touchdown-resulting blocks.

2007 SEASON
Johnson appeared in all fourteen games, starting at fullback vs. Florida, Kentucky, Auburn and Alabama... Did not carry the ball, but caught three passes for 21 yards (7.0 avg)... Also had 35 knockdown blocks... Had a 9-yard reception in each of the Tennessee and South Carolina contests... Added a 3-yarder vs. Ohio State in the BCS National Championsh ip Game...Made an impact on special teams where he teamed with Mit Cole and Lazarius Livingston to form "the shield" on punts.

2006 SEASON
Played in 12 games, contributing primarily on special teams...Recorded four tackles (2 solos) in that capacity...Also rushed the ball twice for six yards.

2005 SEASON
Played in one game as a reserve outside linebacker... Saw action in Louisiana State's win over Mississippi State, recording one solo tackle in the win over the Bulldogs.

2004 SEASON
Redshirted as a true freshman in 2004.

AGILITY TESTS
4.82 in the 40-yard dash (4.72 on campus)...1.6110-yard dash...2.76 20-yard dash (2.69 on campus)...4.58 20-yard shuttle...7.65 three-cone drill... 32-inch vertical jump... 9'7 broad jump... Bench pressed 225 pounds 16 times... 32 1/4-inch arm length... 10 1/4-inch hands.

HIGH SCHOOL
Attended West St. John (Edgard, La.) High School, playing football for head coach Laury Dupont... Regarded as one of the top prep linebackers in the state... Member of the Baton Rouge Advocate Super Dozen as well as the New Orleans Times-Picayune's Top 20 Blue-Chip list. Earned All-District honors in 2002 after making 122 tackles... Along with present LSU teammate, defensive lineman Tyson Jackson, Johnson helped lead his team to a 14-1 record and the state Class 2A championship in 2003...Also saw action at fullback, rushing for 800 yards and eleven touchdowns as a junior.

PERSONAL
Communication Studies and Sports Studies major... Son of Merita and Arthur Johnson... Born Quinn Marcus Johnson on 9/30/86 in New Orleans, Louisiana... Resides in Edgard, Louisiana.

I don't know about Hall and Kuhns college history enough. But I love how Johnson was originally a linebacker, love bringing that defensive hitter mentality to the offensive side of the ball.

"Tezzy" wrote:

5th Round: LSU FB Quinn Johnson
The Packers have selected LSU fullback Quinn Johnson with the first of their two fifth-round picks (No. 145 overall).

Johnson (6-foot-1, 246 pounds) converted from linebacker after his freshman season and played in 39 games over the past three years. He started 14 games including 10 as a senior, when he carried the ball 14 times for 28 yards and three touchdowns and recorded 72 knockdown blocks.

According to the NFL-issued scouting report, Johnson compares to Miami's Lousaka Polite. "Johnson is a punishing lead blocker who loves to hit. He lacks any sort of running or receiving skills, which will limit how a team will use him."

The Packers' next pick is No. 162, which they acquired from New England is Saturday's big trade.

UPDATE, 1:36 p.m.: Johnson's on the phone with the media. He speaks very, very quickly. Sounds nervous.

* On going from defense to offense: "It was just something that came very easily to me." Played both in high school.

* Preference, offense or defense? "I really like offense, because that's what scores the points."

* Why move? Coaches moved him after Les Miles took over.

* Why didn't get ball much in college: "I guess it just wasn't in the scheme of the plays that we were running."

* Can catch ball out of backfield? "Definitely."

* Had shoulder injury at combine. Lingering? "That's not a problem at all right now. I'm 100 percent healthy."

* Relationship with Matt Flynn? Talked a few weeks before pro day. Talked about players, etc. "Everything's good about it."

* What like about playing fullback? "I love the contact."

* Any idea the Packers were interested? "Yes sir. I talked to Alonzo Highsmith." Been excited ever since.

* Relationship with Tyson Jackson? "Me and Tyson Jackson, we're like brothers." Talked after Jackson was selected at No. 3. Celebrated with him.

* Compare/contrast to Jacob Hester: Did best to model game after Hester and learn from him.

UPDATE, 1:39 p.m.: Video ...



UPDATE Running backs coach Edgar Bennett on Johnson ...

* What like? "Great attitude, tough kid, physical and very aggressive."

* Like William Henderson? Has similar toughness. Creates competition.

* Like getting another guy? "Competition makes your team stronger. So, to get a kid like this certainly would put us in a position to add into the mix and compete."

* How well move? Thinks can catch, can run in short yardage and goal line.

* Incorporating more man runs? Zone is core, but there are a number of things used. "Having a kid like this with the addition of Korey and John, again, it just makes more competition for the group."

* Have ability to move feet as needed in zone scheme? "He has shown the ability to make the necessary adjustments. That shows up, but also as far as his power on initial contact." That's important for fullback.

* How important is attitude? "No. 1, it's a physical mind-set. It's a tone-setting mind-set. ... It's going to be a physical position, where we're going to be asking you to go nose-to-numbers." Have to be physical, aggressive, and does have toughness.

* Any similarities between Hall and Johnson? Some. Hall's tough, made same transition.

* Run more with fullback? Went to it last year some, will look into again this year. "I think this kid has shown some capability to carry the football in those situations."

* Work out personally? No.

* Potential special-teams guy? "Certainly. ... You add another guy that can run, that can tackle ... it just adds another piece to the puzzle."