NAPA, Calif. -- Teyo Johnson dashed down the middle of the field and made a diving catch. Then he caught another pass, running a crossing route to make the play in front of four defenders.
"Way to see the field!" offensive coordinator Marc Trestman hollered.
Later, the rookie blocked a linebacker to the ground and opened the right side for Charlie Garner to make a long gain.
Johnson, the former two-sport star for Stanford, already appears to be a great fit with the defending AFC champion Oakland Raiders and their high-octane offense.
"Teyo was exciting today," coach Bill Callahan said Friday following the Raiders' first training camp practice.
"He has the potential and the ability to play the position. Some of the catches he made on the field today were outstanding. We're trying to keep him off the ground because he'll dive and he'll flop around. He's a little bit like a wild bronco in a sense. He is that type of guy. He's a little bit all over the place, but he does play hard and he does have a good feel for the passing game."
The Raiders are converting the 6-foot-6 Johnson from receiver to tight end, and they have listed him second on the unofficial depth chart behind second-year player Doug Jolley.
With tight end Roland Williams expected to miss all of training camp as he recovers from two offseason operations, Johnson has a significant shot at getting playing time. Oakland's offense was top-rated in the NFL last season.
On Thursday, Johnson finished first in a running and conditioning drill that all players must participate in upon reporting to camp. It was his goal to win that test and make a strong first impression.
When he made a rare mistake Friday, receiver Jerry Rice and quarterback Rich Gannon called him over to talk about it.
"You really listen to what these guys say because they're the greatest in the world," Johnson said. "I feel like an extra in a movie when I go in the locker room and see those guys next to me. I've got to pinch myself sometimes."
Johnson had only one response to Rice and Gannon: "Yes, sir, thank you," Johnson said.
"They're the coolest famous people I've ever met."
As he left the morning workout Friday, Johnson carried a case of 24 water bottles.
"I'm trying to drink a gallon a day," he said. "I'm at 165 and I want to get down to 158."
He weighed 150 playing football and basketball at Stanford.
Johnson left school early to enter the NFL Draft and was selected in the second round by the Raiders. He led the Cardinal with 41 receptions for 467 yards and eight touchdowns last season as a redshirt sophomore.
To stay in shape next offseason, Johnson hopes to practice with the Golden State Warriors. He said he'd consider playing for the NBA team someday, but learning a new position is his top priority.
Playing tight end and fighting through defenders has made him feel like he's still on a basketball court.
Johnson was happy to hear he'd impressed Callahan, but he quickly dismissed it, too.
"That doesn't mean I'm going to stop working," he said. "That doesn't mean I'm looking good tomorrow."
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
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