Comparisons drawn

HUMBLE, Texas - Don't call him an athlete or a wide receiver. Humble, Texas star Jerrod Johnson wants to be known as a quarterback.

After filling in last year for the starter at the quarterback position, the 6-foot-6, 220-pound player has developed a knack for being known as a thrower rather than a catcher. Johnson knows he'll get that chance at Texas A&M and his coach, Walt Beasley, thinks that he could be like another great college player from the Lone Star state.

"I think he's going to be a Vince Young type of player," Beasley said. "He's unique in that way because he can scramble or work through his options to hit the second and third receiver. That's something a lot of high school quarterbacks have a problem with."

Johnson apparently doesn't have a problem with that at all. On the year he's rushed for over 500 yards and ten touchdowns. Through the air, it's been a similar story with 912 yards and five touchdowns.

Those stats are due to Johnson's work on the practice field. After getting his 40-yard dash time in the 4.5-second range and working on an impressive touch, he is starting to shed the title of receiver quickly.

Of course, Johnson is doing his work not just for himself, but to benefit his future college team.

"Oh yeah, I'm still committed to Texas A&M and I talk to the coaches on a weekly basis," Johnson said. "I've been keeping a pretty close eye on them. I know it's been a tough year for them, but I really like the staff and I think they have something going."

However, coach Beasley says that he's noticed his star player hasn't ignored the coaching rumors out of College Station, Texas in the daily papers.

"Well, he's an intelligent young man and he's smart so when he reads rumors about coaching changes, it makes him a little nervous," Beasley said.

Johnson isn't going anywhere though just on rumors.

"I've thought about what would happen if coach Fran wasn't there," Johnson said. "If that did happen, then I'd have a decision to make. That's not what's happening though I think. So, I'm staying put and I'm not going anywhere."

Other colleges may still send mail, but Johnson is clear on his intentions.

"I still get mail and even some of the colleges who see me playing quarterback will write in there that I can play that too, but I think they respect the fact that I'm committed," Johnson said.

"That's the only thing on my mind right now along with the playoffs."