Return to form : Freshman getting legs under him on kick returns
Posted on Thursday, September 25, 2008
ANTHONY REYES Northwest Arkansas Times Arkansas freshman tailback Dennis Johnson (33 ) tries to work upfield as Alabama junior defensive back Chris Rogers (8 ) makes a tackle in the second half Sept. 20 in Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.
Atonement opportunities by the half-dozen aren’t good for your team if you return kickoffs.
Nevertheless, what Dennis Johnson did with his six kickoff returns comprised some rare Razorback bright spots in Arkansas’ 49-14 SEC loss to Alabama last Saturday.
Johnson netted 142 yards on the six returns. He broke a 41-yarder to set up the Hogs’ nine-play, 47-yard secondquarter scoring drive.
Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino, wishing aloud Arkansas never again receives eight kickoffs for a game, judged it a fine performance by the true freshman from the Arkansas side of Texarkana.
It was nicely judgmental considering the previous game Johnson admitted showing no judgment.
Part of the special teams nightmare that nearly unraveled the Razorbacks before they finally eked 28-27 by nonconference underdog Louisiana-Monore in Little Rock, Johnson was the guy who caught the kickoff appearing to be sailing out of bounds and then proceeded to step out of bounds at the Arkansas 5 trying to tightrope the sideline.
Maybe because it was just one more welcome to the club of so many special teams mistakes the Hogs committed against ULM, or maybe he’s a rookie exuding veteran confidence, but Johnson didn’t dwell on his ULM game gaffe.
“ I got it out of my mind as soon as the play was over, ” Johnson said. “ It was a mistake. I misjudged where I was at on the field. ”
Did he fret that Petrino and staff might not give him another chance ?
“ They told me after the game they were going to give me another shot at it, ” Johnson said. “ I’m glad they gave me another shot. ”
So are they. At least now the nationally seventh-ranked Texas Longhorns, Arkansas’ 3-0 foe awaiting at 2: 30 p. m. Saturday on ABC in Austin, Texas, have something to be concerned about after watching film of Arkansas’ annihilation by Alabama’s hands.
“ Dennis showed on his ability returning kickoffs he’s going to break tackles and that he’s very fast, ” Petrino said.
And very strong. A lowdown load to tackle with 195 pounds compactly distributed on a speeding 5-7 frame.
“ He’s a guy that can go the distance on kickoff returns, ” Petrino said. “ He’s low to the ground and has wide hips so you have to wrap up to tackle him. ”
It’s not an easy job to do alone in the open field.
“ I don’t think anybody can bring me down in the open field, ” Johnson said.
He’s miffed the 41-yard return ended in a tackle.
“ I should have returned it for a touchdown, ” Johnson said. “ I really thought I should have had it. ”
Felix Jones, last seen popping a 60-yard touchdown run against Green Bay last Sunday after popping a 98-yard kick return touchdown the previous Sunday against Philadelphia, gave Arkansas many a kickreturn thrill the last three seasons before joining fellow Razorback All-American Darren McFadden a year early in the NFL.
Of course we hesitate to declare Dennis Johnson in Felix’s class. We don’t hesitate noting both return with a pause then kick-start acceleration.
“ Just a little hesitation, ” Johnson said, “ to let everybody get their blocks set up and then just find the hole and hit it. ”
Does he have a plan or just go with the flow ?
“ I just go with the flow, ” Johnson said. “ If the hole opens up, that’s where I am going to hit it. ”
And hit it hard.
“ He’s a tough kid, ” Petrino said. “ He’s going to break a lot of tackles. ”
Especially when he’s in sync with his blockers.
“ I just needed a game under my belt to get comfortable on the kickoff return, ” Johnson said. “ Just me getting the feel of it and the blocking, getting a man on man out there trying to work hard and do what we do on special teams. ”
Johnson might not be especially limited to special teams against Texas.
Little 5-7 fourth-year junior running back Michael Smith was Arkansas’ brightest spot against Alabama, but Petrino fears fatiguing him.
So Petrino wants to keep working in freshman running backs Johnson and Camden native De’Anthony Curtis — if they catch on to pass protections.
Johnson has much to learn picking up blitzes but he can tell some elders the intensity of Arkansas vs. Texas.
He grew up with it playing for Texarkana’s Arkansas High versus Texarkana’s Texas High.
“ It’s a big game for me because it is just like my rivalry from high school, ” Johnson said. “ I have played Texas all my life and never had won. I had a tie with them my senior year, but never a win. ”
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online
