The consummate team player, Johnson did not come close to matching his lofty figures from his sophomore and junior campaigns in 2008, as he took a back seat to being the featured back in the Broncos offense. Johnson felt that there were other areas of his game that he wanted to concentrate on, leaving the brunt of the rushing load to a running back by committee format.

Johnson closed out his career with an impressive resume. He ranks third in school history with 753 rushing attempts and second with 4,174 yards rushing, a total that placed him fourth in the Western Athletic Conference record books. His 58 rushing touchdowns broke the previous WAC record of 57 by Marshall Faulk (1991-93), while his 356 points scored rank fourth in conference history. A capable receiver and standout special team performer, his 4,953 all-purpose yards are good for fourth in school annals.

A great locker room presence, Johnson started a strange pre-game ritual that dates back to his playing days at Damien High School. As part of his game preparation, he could be seen dancing around and eating a banana including the peel. It must have been effective, as he finished his prep career as the school record-holder with 3,627 yards rushing, 45 touchdowns and 282 points scored in three seasons.

At Damien High, Johnson was named Inland Valley Offensive Player of Year, L.A. Times All-San Gabriel Valley, San Gabriel Valley Tribune All-Area, Daily Bulletin Inland Valley All-Area, All-Sierra League MVP, and CIF Division II first-team All-League as a senior. The previous season, he earned CIF Division II first-team All-League, All-CIF Division II (as strong safety), All-San Gabriel Valley, All-Inland Valley, L.A. Times All-Area and San Gabriel Valley Tribune All-Area accolades.

The team captain set the school single-season record with 1,751 yards rushing (7.9 avg) and 23 touchdowns on 220 carries. As a strong safety, he recorded 66 tackles, two interceptions, four fumble recoveries and six sacks during his final season. As a junior, he ran for 1,397 yards (6.2 avg) and 18 touchdowns on 225 attempts, as he also caught 15 passes for 353 yards.

During his sophomore campaign, the All-CIF Division II pick rushed for 479 yards (4.9 avg) on 98 carries, catching 13 passes for 194 yards. He also lettered in track, earning All-Sierra League and All-CIF honors while competing in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4x100-meter relay.

Johnson enrolled at Boise State in February, 2004, but spent that season competing on the scout team. He was part of the running back by committee used by the Broncos in 2005, but ended up starting five late season games. His 663 yards on 119 carries (5.6 avg) and four touchdowns rank fourth on the school single-season record list for freshman. He also excelled on special teams, leading those units with eleven tackles (7 solos).

The sophomore started 11 games in 2006, missing the Utah State game after he suffered a collapsed left lung that placed him in the hospital. The All-American, All-Western Athletic Conference and Doak Walker Award semifinalist finished eighth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy. He ranked second in the nation, as he carried 277 times for 1,714 yards, the sixth-highest rushing total in conference history. His 25 touchdown runs rank second in school and league annals. He also led the nation in scoring with 152 points, an average of 12.67 points per game.

In 2007, Johnson was again a first-team All-WAC selection. He missed two games with a bruised kidney, but still led the Broncos with 207 attempts for 1,041 yards (5.0 avg) and 16 touchdowns, ranking third in the conference with an average of 94.64 yards per game. He also hauled in a career-high 25 passes for 312 yards (12.5 avg) and a score while amassing 1,353 all-purpose yards.

In his final season, Johnson was named All-WAC second-team. He still led the team in rushing, but managed just 766 yards with 13 touchdowns on 150 carries (5.1 avg). He made 22 catches for 229 yards (10.4 avg) and averaged 27.0 yards on four kickoff returns. He also blocked a kick vs. Idaho State and totaled 1,122 all-purpose yards.

GENERAL REPORT: GRADE: 6.22

Body Structure: Johnson has impressive power and lean muscles, but for a 210-pound back he has unusually slim hips and shoulders, looking more like a receiver than a running back. Even with his narrow upper body, he has adequate sized calves and thighs and a frame that can carry at least another 10 pounds with no loss in quickness.

Athletic Ability: Johnson might not impress you upon eye contact, as he has a narrow frame, but packs good strength and above average timed speed, but is not really sudden or explosive coming out of the blocks. He is a short strider with effective playing speed and gets most of his yardage from his balance and footwork. He flashes good agility and balance on the move and does a nice job of keeping his feet on contact. He is more of a north-south runner than a shake or bake type, but has good agility numbers to indicate he has the athletic ability. He is more of a straight-line runner, but shows good balance and leg drive attacking the holes. GRADE: 6.0

Football Sense: Johnson can learn football with no problems. He's a good student who actually had his own "beanie cap" business that was quite profitable until the NCAA shut it down. He has the vision to locate threats, but because of his lack of great height, he is better attacking from the perimeter than working through a crowd. He picks up stunts and blitzes quickly in pass protection and might be a good fit as a gunner on special teams because of his ability to locate the returner in a crowd. GRADE: 5.8

Character: The coaches say he is a good kid who does what is told and is always accountable. He gained considerable publicity after proposing to his now wife after the Fiesta Bowl upset win over Oklahoma several years ago and never let that attention get to his head. Even when he was a freshman, he quickly earned the respect from his older teammates. Off the field, he has never had any issues that would make one question his character. GRADE: 7.1

Competitiveness: Johnson proved that he will play with pain and recover quickly from major injuries. He was back on the field after missing just two games with a bruised kidney and only sat out one contest after he was hospitalized by a collapsed lung. He is a good competitor who plays with aggression, but he sometimes looks hesitant attacking the holes. He needs to do a better job of protecting the ball. He's a little laid back, leading some to question his intensity, but he really works hard to produce. GRADE: 5.9

Work Habits: The coaches say Johnson is a good worker in the weight room, evident by his impressive performance lifting at the NFL Combine. He comes to play and has a blue-collar work ethic, showing a team-first work ethic to go with quality leadership skills. He takes pride in his training and dependable could be his middle name. GRADE: 6.3

ATHLETIC REPORT: GRADE: 5.56

Initial Quickness: Despite his impressive timed speed, Johnson lacks explosion out of his stance. He can accelerate nicely in the open field, but does not generate a good burst going through tight quarters. He has decent initial movement on the ball, hitting up the hole with a good pas level, but lacks suddenness. He has the foot speed to challenge the second level once he gets past the line of scrimmage though. GRADE: 5.2

Acceleration/Burst: Johnson has a decent short-area burst, but until he gets into the open you just don't see the second gear that should be associated with his timed speed. He is a very slippery runner with loose hips and good wiggle though. In the open field, he has breakaway speed and can elude a defender, as his quickness and balance lets him get nice yardage in the open. GRADE: 5.8

Instincts/Balance: Johnson is the type of back who is very creative on the move. He has good lateral agility and can cut on a dime. He can quickly gobble up the cushion when running routes and shows good leg drive and a low pad level to run through defenders in one-on-one confrontations. He shows good vision in the hole with the ability to slide or move to daylight, but does hesitate at times and this leads to get caught in the backfield more than he should. He also needs to generate better knee lift to avoid the low tackles and must be more consistent utilizing his second gear when he gets into space. GRADE: 5.6

Inside Running: Johnson might not look the part, but he has the strength to power through tackles and when he lowers his shoulders, he generates good force on contact with the defender, enough to rock the opponent back. GRADE: 5.4

Outside Running: Once he turns the corner, Johnson can get good yardage, as he has the quick acceleration, moves and fakes to con a defender. He has an adequate burst up the seam, but once he gets into the open his foot speed will get him clearance past the second level. GRADE: 5.8

Elusiveness: Johnson has those natural make you miss type of moves, as he is very effective when trying to slide and step away from a tackle when giving space to run. He does a nice job of adjusting, thanks to his vision and awareness, but must watch out for low blocks, as he is easily taken down when a defender attacks his feet. GRADE: 5.7

Tackle-Breaking Strength: Johnson is good at using his natural leg strength to generate good power out of his stance, keeping his feet to break single tackles. He runs at a good pad level, keeps his shoulders square and has enough arm power to move the piles. He needs to show better knee lift to avoid ankle tackles though. GRADE: 5.5

Tendency to Fumble: This was not a problem area in 2008, but he did put the ball on the ground eight times combined as a sophomore and junior. He shows good hands and concentration, but will get a bit reckless with the ball when in the open field and needs to run with it closer to his frame. GRADE: 4.8

Receiving Skills: Until 2007, Johnson was not used much in the passing game, but his hands seem to be good. He has the touch and reach to pluck the ball away from his body and has the vision awareness to find the soft areas on the field to settle under. GRADE: 6.1

Route Running: It is hard to evaluate, as Johnson is used mostly on swings or flares. He does show good balance into his routes, though. He makes good adjustments getting to the off-target throws and shows good flexibility and foot quickness. He shows good field awareness and the ability to read and get in and out of his break point in attempts to get open. GRADE: 5.4

Blocking Ability: Johnson is willing, but needs to show more effort. He will step up and take on the defender, but is not really an aggressive blitz pick-up type. He seems to absorb more than he delivers when trying to sustain in pass protection. He just needs to be more aggressive using his hands to strike with force. GRADE: 4.9

Compares To: TRAVIS MINOR, St. Louis -- Like Minor, Johnson lacks the ideal frame to be a featured back, but can contribute in other areas. He is a good receiver out of the backfield and showed earlier in his career that he can be a fantastic gunner on special teams. If all else fails, he could possibly shift to safety at the next level, but his best avenue to the pros right now is with his special teams ability.

OVERALL GRADE: 5.59

--Report by Dave-Te' Thomas

Johnson started 38 of 49 games at Boise State, as his 753 rushing attempts rank third in school history behind Brock Forsey (813, 1999-2002) and Chris Thomas (810, 1987-91) … Rushed for 4,174 yards, ranking second in Broncos annals and fourth on the Western Athletic Conference all-time record list, topped by LaDainian Tomlinson of Texas Christian (5,263; 1997-2000), Steve Bartalo of Colorado State (4,813; 1983-86) and Marshall Faulk of San Diego State (4,589; 1991-93) … Rushed for 58 touchdowns, breaking the previous WAC record of 57 by Faulk … Scored 356 points, setting the school record while ranking fourth in conference history behind Jason Elam of Hawaii (395, 1989-92), Faulk (376, 1991-93) and Justin Ayat of Hawaii (370, 2001-04) … His 4,953 all-purpose yards placed behind Forsey (6,670; 1999-2002), Cedric Minter (5,316; 1977-80) and David Mikell (5,032; 2000-02) … Rushed for 1,714 yards in 2006, a school single-season record and good for sixth on the WAC annual record chart … His 277 carries in 2006 are topped only by Forsey (295 in 2002) on the Broncos' single-season record list … His average gain of 6.18 yards per rushing attempt in 2006 placed him sixth on Boise State's single-season record book … His 25 touchdown runs in 2006 rank behind Forsey's 26 in 2002 on the school record list … Johnson's 1,769 all-purpose yards in 2006 rank fifth in BSU season annals … Ran for 240 yards vs. Oregon State in 2006, ranking behind Minter (261 vs. Northern Michigan, 1978) and Eron Hurley (254 vs. Idaho, 1998) on the school's game-record chart … Tied the school game-record that was first set by Jon Helmandollar (vs. Louisiana Tech, 2004), when Johnson rushed for five touchdowns vs. Oregon State in 2006.

Second-team All-Western Athletic Conference selection … Started eleven of the thirteen games he played in, coming off the bench vs. Nevada and Texas Christian … Led the team with 766 yards and thirteen touchdowns on 150 carries (5.1 avg) … Finished fifth on the team with 22 receptions for 229 yards (10.4 avg) … Returned four kickoffs for 108 yards (27.0 avg) and one punt 19 yards, as he blocked a kick vs. Idaho State and scored 78 points … Generated 1,122 all-purpose yards, an average of 86.31 yards per game … Ran for 39 first downs, converting 7 of 16 third-down attempts (43.75%) … 38 of his carries (25.33%) came inside the red zone, including 24 on goal-line plays (16%) … Had key runs that set up 21 touchdown drives and two more that ended with field goals … Was tackled behind the line of scrimmage 22 times (14.67%) and stopped for no gain on 14 other attempts (9.33%) … 20 of his carries gained at least ten yards, including seven for 20 yards or longer.

Idaho State … Johnson opened his senior season with fourteen carries for 87 yards … Early in the second quarter, he dragged two defenders into the end zone on a third-down 3-yard scoring run.

Bowling Green … The tailback totaled 97 yards on thirteen attempts with a pair of scores, adding 10 yards on a reception … His 8-yard carry to the BGSU 1-yard line set up Kellen Moore's 1-yard scoring plunge late in the first quarter … Johnson later scored twice in the second quarter on 1 and 6-yard carries.

Oregon … Johnson collected just 40 yards on nineteen rushes, but one of those carries resulted in a 6-yard touchdown midway through the second stanza.

Louisiana Tech … Johnson did not score for the first time in four games, as he ran just nine times for 42 yards, but he also snared three passes for 106 yards … He set up a third quarter 49-yard field goal with runs of 6 and 20 yards … In the fourth quarter, his 51-yard reception was downed at the Tech 6, where D.J. Harper scored two plays later from 3 yards out.

San Jose State … The senior delivered two touchdowns among his sixteen carries for 66 yards, but he also turned the ball over on a fumble … Johnson's first score was a 2-yarder in the second quarter and he put the game out of reach with a 10-yard touchdown with 1:04 left in the game.

New Mexico State … Johnson followed with ten attempts for 61 yards, including an 11-yard score early in the second quarter.

Nevada … Johnson only carried the ball seven times, but gained 71 yards and added 29 yards on three receptions … He exploded down the sidelines for a 66-yard touchdown, leading the Broncos to a 41-34 decision.

Fresno State … It was not until the regular season finale that Johnson registered a 100-yard rushing performance, as he collected 128 yards on fourteen attempts (9.1 avg) that included two touchdowns … Also made three catches for 39 yards … He set up a second quarter 28-yard field goal with a 23-yard reception and a 12-yard catch into FSU territory and he ended the third quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run over right tackle, setting up that score two plays earlier with a 69-yard scamper … In the fourth quarter, he converted a third-and-4 handoff into a 9-yard gain, setting up a drive that he ended with a 1-yard run around the left side.

Texas Christian (Poinsettia Bowl) … Johnson's career ended quietly with 28 yards on seven carries and three receptions for a loss of 5 yards … He did break Marshall Faulk's WAC record with his 58th touchdown run, scoring on a 20-yard scamper in the first quarter.

Earned All-Western Athletic Conference first-team honors as a junior … Started eleven games, sitting out the Louisiana Tech and Fresno State contests after suffering a bruised kidney … Led the team with 207 carries for 1,041 yards (5.0 avg) and sixteen touchdowns …

Placed fourth on the squad with 25 receptions for 312 yards (12.5 avg) and a score … Had 1,353 all-purpose yards and produced 102 points … Led the WAC and ranked 13th in the nation in scoring with an average of 9.27 points per game … Finished third in the league in rushing (94.64 ypg) and fourth in all-purpose yardage (123.0 ypg) … Earned WAC Player of the Week honors vs. Nevada … Ran for over 100 yards five times.

Weber State … Began the season with 128 yards on 18 carries (7.1 avg), as he scored three times on runs of 1, 54 and 5 yards … Also had an 11-yard reception.

Southern Mississippi … Johnson totaled 111 yards on 22 attempts, as he again produced three touchdowns and caught three passes for 80 yards, but also fumbled once … He had scores of 12 and 22 yards in the second quarter and a 2-yarder in the third frame.

New Mexico State … Followed with 73 yards on four receptions and 85 yards on fifteen runs, including a 6-yard score.

Nevada … The junior tailback garnered WAC Player of the Week honors after registering 205 yards with a pair of touchdowns on 28 rushes … Also made four catches for 51 yards and a score, but turned the ball over on a fumble in a 69-67 quadruple overtime win … Took off on a 72-yard scoring scamper in the second quarter … Went over the top for a 1-yard touchdown in the final overtime frame to hand the Broncos the victory, pushing the game into overtime with a 32-yard scoring grab in the fourth frame.

Utah State … Johnson ran nineteen times for 110 yards, but turned the ball over on a fumble … Made up for that miscue with a 15-yard touchdown march with 1:04 left in the first half.

Idaho … The Broncos tailback followed with 108 yards on 21 attempts, finding the end zone on runs of 7 and 15 yards.

Hawaii … Gained 86 yards on 22 attempts and 39 yards on three receptions … Broke loose for a 50-yard touchdown to begin the game's scoring and went over the top for a 1-yard score in the second stanza.

East Carolina (Hawaii Bowl) … The Pirates smothered Johnson, limiting him to 11 yards on four carries in a 41-38 loss.

All-American first-team selection by The NFL Draft Report, Sports Illustrated and CBS Sportsline.com, adding second-team honors from The Sporting News and third-team accolades from the Associated Press … First-team All-WAC choice and finished eighth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy … Semi-finalist for the Doak Walker Award (nation's top running back) … Started eleven games, sitting out the Utah State contest after he was hospitalized with a left lung collapse … Led the league and ranked second in the country with 277 carries for 1,714 yards (6.2 avg) and 25 touchdowns … Caught eight passes for 55 yards (6.9 avg) … Led the nation in scoring with 152 points, an average of 12.67 points per game … Made a solo tackle vs. New Mexico State … Collected 1,769 all-purpose yards, ranking fifth in the NCAA with an average of 147.42 yards per game … Ran for over 100 yards in nine games, including his final six contests … Turned the ball over twice on four fumbles … The Broncos finished the 2006 regular season unbeaten (12-0) and became only the second team from outside the BCS conferences to play in a BCS bowl game. They played in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl vs. the Oklahoma Sooners. Johnson scored the game winning two-point conversion in overtime on a Statue of Liberty play to the left side.

Gained 149 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries vs. San Jose State despite suffering a partially collapsed lung in the second quarter … Added 147 yards and three touchdowns vs. Nevada on 29 carries … Carried 24 times for 136 yards and two touchdowns vs. Fresno State … Rushed for 119 yards on 23 tries vs. Wyoming … Gained 92 yards and one score on 14 runs vs. Louisiana Tech, adding 89 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries in the Sacramento State clash … Posted 88 yards on 14 carries vs. Utah … Named Walter Camp National Player of the Week after running for five touchdowns and a career-high 240 yards on 22 attempts vs. Oregon State, adding a 21-yard reception for 261 all-purpose yards, as his rushing yardage was the third-best game total in school history … Generated 100 yards and a touch-down on 24 carries in Boise State's 43-42 overtime win over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl, as he scored on a famous two-point conversion to win Fiesta Bowl.

Played in 13 contests, starting five games, as he finished second on the team with 663 yards and four touchdowns on 119 carries … His 663 yards rank fourth among Boise State freshman on the school single-season record list … Caught five passes for 46 yards (9.2 avg) and led the special team unit, as he recorded 11 tackles (7 solos) and caused a fumble.

Redshirted … Originally signed with Boise State in February 2004.

2006: Sat out the Utah State game (11/18) after he was hospitalized after the San Jose State clash due to a collapsed left lung.

2007: Did not play vs. Louisiana Tech (10/20) and Fresno State (10/26) due to a bruised kidney.

Combine: 4.41 in the 40-yard dash … 1.47 10-yard dash … 2.53 20-yard dash … 4.18 20-yard shuttle … 6.93 three-cone drill … 33-inch vertical jump … 9'8" broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 26 times.

Attended Damien (San Dimas. Cal.) High School, playing football for head coach Scott Morrison … Finished his prep career as the school record-holder with 3,627 yards rushing, 45 touchdowns and 282 points scored in three seasons … Named Inland Valley Offensive Player of Year, L.A. Times All-San Gabriel Valley, San Gabriel Valley Tribune All-Area, Daily Bulletin Inland Valley All-Area, All-Sierra League MVP, and CIF Division II first-team All-League as a senior … Earned CIF Division II first-team All-League, All-CIF Division II (as strong safety), All-San Gabriel Valley, All-Inland Valley, L.A. Times All-Area and San Gabriel Valley Tribune All-Area accolades as a junior … The team captain set the school single-season record with 1,751 yards rushing (7.9 avg) and 23 touchdowns on 220 carries as a senior … As a strong safety, he recorded 66 tackles, two interceptions, four fumble recoveries and six sacks during his final season … As a junior, he ran for 1,397 yards (6.2 avg) and 18 touchdowns on 225 attempts, as he also caught 15 passes for 353 yards … During his sophomore campaign, the All-CIF Division II pick rushed for 479 yards (4.9 avg) on 98 carries, catching 13 passes for 194 yards … Also lettered in track, earning All-Sierra League and All-CIF honors while competing in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4x100-meter relay.

General Business Management major … Put that major to good use earlier in his career, as Johnson's main source of income had been from the sales of crocheted beanies he sold to teammates, fans and fellow students. The cost of each beanie was $15. However, in late 2006, the NCAA later ruled that Johnson could not profit from his growing celebrity status, nor could he donate the proceeds to charity. He had to cease all sales … After the 2006/07 Fiesta Bowl victory, during an interview with Chris Myers, Johnson proposed to his girlfriend Chrissy Popadics, Boise State's head cheerleader, on Fox Sports' post-game coverage. She accepted and they married on July 28, 2007 … Born 9/25/85 … Resides in San Dimas, California.