NCAA Scouting – Player Profile: Herman Johnson, OG, LSU by Jody Jamieson 11/2/2009
I think I was 15 lbs 14 oz when I was about 6 months old. Herman Johnson was 15 lbs 14 oz when he was born. His mother Karen is my hero. Simply put, he was born to play offensive line in the NFL. The story goes that the doctor who delivered Herman said to his mother he would grow up to play offensive line for the LSU Tigers. Whether that’s true or not is irrelevant, but every year on Herman’s birthday, Dr Ralph Armstrong (who delivered the player nicknamed “The House”) calls Karen Johnson just to let her know no-one has broke her rather unfortunate record of having given birth to the biggest baby in the history of Louisiana. Whether Dr Armstrong really said that he’d play for LSU is irrelevant, but he does remember whispering “LSU” into Herman’s ear. Asked about that he replies “This is Louisiana. I do that with most of the large male babies I deliver!” Herman was 6’5 and 305 lbs the summer before he went to Junior High. To sum it up, he’s a BIG dude.
As the Draft approaches there are a lot of complaints about Jonhson’s ability. No-one is doubting his size and strength, but people have some question marks about his technique. He’s going to be hard to move, but can he move NFL defensive linemen?
What we like about Johnson
Size, size and more size! Johnson is going to be bigger than most defensive linemen and will be tough to push into the backfield. He’s also a very good athlete and will get out in space well. His long arms will give him an advantage and he has a lot of upside that will interest a lot of scouts. He’s experienced and picks up the blitz very well. Providing he improves his footwork, he could work out anywhere across the line with the exception of centre.
Question marks about Johnson
His footwork is still sketchy. He stays far too upright at time which leads to inconsistent play. His concentration is said to wander at times. As one of the elder statesmen of the LSU line, he wasn’t the leader he should have been. He doesn’t get tired, although some cynical people will point out that he sometimes takes “the odd play off” which he can’t afford to do in the pros.
Highlight of his college career
Johnson was part of the LSU TIgers National Championship Squad in 2007. Johnson played over 1,000 snaps at guard during the season.
Other Snippets
Measured in at 6′ 7″ tall and 382 lbs at the Senior Bowl. Weighed in at 411 lbs when he first signed for the Tigers, before dropping as low as 360 at one point. Was voted a first team All-American in 2008 Is unlikely to go in the first round, but should be picked up in Round 2 by someone wanting some power inside.
NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
What we like about Johnson
