Thread Tools

Display Modes

**RoyWilliams** · 08-03-2007, 10:29 AM

Detroit Lions Site: Lions Sign First-Round Draft Pick WR Calvin Johnson

Quote:

The Detroit Lions announced today that they have signed first-round draft choice WR Calvin Johnson to a
six-year deal. Additional terms of Johnson's contract were not disclosed.

Johnson (6-5, 239), was taken by the Lions second overall in the 2007 NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech, where he is regarded as this year's premier playmaker coming out of the entry draft. His tremendous combination of size, speed and catching ability have earned him All-American honors on two occasions and have groomed him for a career in the NFL. Johnson was named to the first team All-ACC three consecutive years (2004-06). He was also awarded the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2004. In 38 games, Johnson set school records with 2,927 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns. His 178 career receptions rank him second all-time in Yellow Jacket's history.

In 2006 Johnson tied for second in the nation with 15 touchdown receptions. He set a school single-season record of 1,202 receiving yards on 78 receptions. He led the ACC in receptions per game (5.4) and receiving yards-per-game (85.9). Johnson was named ACC Offensive Back of the Week four weeks during the season (including three of the first five weeks). He showcased one of his best performances during the Toyota Gator Bowl against West Virginia, in which he caught nine receptions for a career-best 186 yards. Johnson was credited with the 2006 Biletnikoff Award given to the nation's top receiver, and named the 2006 ACC Conference Player of the Year. He finished 10th in the nation in balloting for the Heisman Trophy.

Johnson led the Jackets with 54 receptions for 888 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore in 2005. He ranked second among the ACC in receiving yards per game (74.0) and fifth in receptions (4.5). Johnson was named to first-team all-America by the American Football Coaches' Association (AFCA), and to second-team all-America by the Associated Press and Walter Camp. He also unanimously earned all-ACC honors for his second consecutive season. Johnson was a semifinalist for the 2005 Biletnikoff Award.

In 2004 Johnson set Georgia Tech freshman records with 48 catches for 837 yards and seven touchdowns. He was named first-team all-ACC, only the 11th true freshman to earn such honors. Johnson was named first-team Freshman All-America by the Sporting News and Rivals.com. He was also recognized as the ACC Rookie of the Week on four separate occasions.

Johnson is highly touted for his athleticism, speed and acrobatic excellence. In 2004 his one-handed grab over the middle (on a ball thrown well behind him) against N.C. State was selected as the No. 1 Top Play of the Day on ESPN. The same play was later recognized as the No. 2 Top Play for the entire college football season.