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Pros: Speed, speed and more speed. This Orlando native can really run (4.24 at the NFL Scouting Combine) and is capable of breaking a long one every time he touches the ball. In seven games during his senior season, Johnson had at least one run of 20-plus yards. In a game against Memphis, Johnson ran for a career-high 301 yards, which included touchdown scampers from 44, 50 and 70 yards out. Johnson is an all-purpose stud who topped 500 receiving yards as senior and was among the top kick returners in the college game, leaving him as the leader in FBS all-purpose yards. The East Carolina alum has good hands, runs solid routes and is demon after the catch. In the open field, he is among the most elusive backs, with great balance and body control. He has a solid frame, with the room to add another 10-15 pounds. Known as a gym rat for his workout ability, Johnson has the physical attributes to be an impact player.

Cons: Johnson needs to improve his efforts in blocking situations, especially if a team is going to look at him as a third down back. If he can’t protect the quarterback it could hinder how much he sees the field, especially early on in his career. He also lacks ideal bulk at this stage in his career, relying too much on his speed to make things happen. Johnson needs to be a more patient runner and do a better job of setting up his blocks.

Overall: A four-year contributor, Johnson has flashed the ability to make defenders miss with his trademark spin move. His ability to create the big play with one big burst in the open field impresses scouts—and he displayed surprising quickness and ability to change direction at the NFL Combine.

Our View: He can do things that simply cannot be taught. We are not sure if Johnson possesses the complete package to be an every down back at this point, but he could be a special player as a change of pace, third down runner and a special teams star from day one. His speed, burst and explosiveness make this Pirate an intriguing prospect, with a chance at being a star in the NFL.

X-Factor: While the Florida native was able to take advantage of sub-par defenses playing in Conference USA, he will have a difficult time of gaining the majority of his yards outside the tackles at the next level. In eight conference games, Johnson averaged 127 yards per game (his 3.5 yards per carry versus Southern Miss was one of two games in which he averaged below four yards per carry in conference play, over five yards per in the other six), meanwhile in four tries against schools from BCS Conferences (Virginia Tech, UNC, WVU and NC State) he averaged a mere 47 yards per game (only once did he average more than 3.3 yards per carry). Some of that, of course, is due to his offensive line having a tougher time, but the difference is too stark to dismiss.

Factoid: Johnson describes his game as a mixture of Brian Westbrook, Reggie Bush and Marshall Faulk; Chris also has a tattoo of his own face on his arm.

Medical Examiner:

• 9/23/06—Suffered a turf toe injury, missed one game.

Highlights of Accomplishments:

• Career Leader in All-Purpose Yards Amongst All Players (6,585)

• First Place, 2007 All-Purpose Yards

• Third Place, 2007 NCAA Total Touchdowns (22)

• Fifth Place, 2007 C-USA Rushing Yards (1,200)

• 2007 C-USA Special Teams Player of the Year

High School: Attended Olympia High School in Orlando, FL, where as a senior he earned an All-Orange County selection and MVP of the Orange County All-Star Game. He also participated in track, running the anchor leg on the fastest 4x100 relay team in the nation and winning Golden South and Golden West national titles.

Major: Communications