Rookie lineman begins workouts

azdad1978

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by Bob McManaman - May. 9, 2009 11:51 AM
The Arizona Republic

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The "House" has gone home.

When Cardinals rookie Herman Johnson returns to the Valley later this month for the first of four team workouts, he expects to be leaner, meaner and have a firmer grasp of the playbook.

Nicknamed "House" because of his size - 6 feet, 7 inches tall, 365 pounds - Johnson has a chance to someday become a longtime fixture as an NFL offensive lineman.

For his pro career to start on the right path,

however, the fifth-round pick out of LSU knows he has to take care of his body, mind and spirit and show the coaching staff right away that he's a player, not a project.

That means a ton of hard work between now and the start of training camp in July in Flagstaff. Especially since it appears he will be asked to change positions, from guard to right tackle.

Johnson, a first-team All-American and two-time, first-team All Southeast Conference player, recently sat down with The Republic to map out his upcoming schedule and offer his thoughts and goals following his participation in a three-day mini camp last weekend at the Cardinals' Tempe training facility.

Immediate plans

Johnson flew back to his home in Baton Rouge, La., and planned to rest for a day before beginning his two-week workout program prepared by Cardinals strength coach John Lott.

He will do some running, weightlifting and cardiovascular work, most of it on the LSU campus. Johnson said the program will "help knock some of the kinks and soreness out of my body" and that by the second week, he will have ratcheted up his workout intensity to a "hard core" level.

With football about to occupy most of his life, Johnson said he will use his down time in the evenings to go fishing as often as possible.

He usually tries his luck in the Mississippi River or at a spillway in the small town of Morganza, La.

There are no vacations planned, just a weekend trip up to northern Louisiana to visit family and friends. While there, he plans to do some fishing at another favorite watering hole called Caster Creek.

"A couple hours up there on the water with no loud noises, no cars, and I'm fine," Johnson said.

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/2009/05/09/20090509cardshouse0507.html
 

Shane

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Good stuff!
 

Jetstream Green

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I like this kid, and hope he follows through with the workout. Going fishing for quiet relaxation, now that is a pleasant change compared to some athletes who rather be wasting their chances in the NFL by getting in trouble in clubs.
 

Shzm13

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I saw an interview where he says he expected to be a late first, early second pick.

So hes clearly got something to prove.

Hopefully he doesnt go Alan Branch on us
 

splitsecond

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i get a great vibe from this guy. seems to possess a great set of intangibles, and seems pretty down to earth. of he has a decent work ethic, he should excel under grimm.
 

Cbus cardsfan

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that can't be a picture of Johnson. That doesn't look like a 6'7 365 pound guy. That looks more like a LB.I would expect someone that looks to have little more fat on them and no definition. Look at his arms and not a huge gut, that looks like a guy who is in shape.
 

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For a really big man, he seems serious about maximizing his strength. It sounds like he showed up for mini camp weighing less than he has in the past. All by itself, that indicates he is serious.

Edit: I just read the rest of the article and liked everything in it. He weighed 411 as a Freshman and is dropping down to about 350. If he has football skills he will be awesome, he appears to have very good character and attitude. And yes, I can relate to someone who's idea of downtime is fishing as opposed to the night life.
 
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daytripper

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This young man reminds me of another lineman nicknamed House. Howard Ballard was a late round pick of the Bills who went on to 2 pro bowls, 4 Super bowls and a long career with the Bills and Seahawks. He seems to have the right attitude and is in a great system for big men with our coaching staff and evolving run philosophy.
As in golf its all about getting in the right position to follow through and it sounds like he's on the right path.
Although with his size I'm not sure House is the right adjective, Mansion maybe better suited!
 

187

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that can't be a picture of Johnson. That doesn't look like a 6'7 365 pound guy. That looks more like a LB.I would expect someone that looks to have little more fat on them and no definition. Look at his arms and not a huge gut, that looks like a guy who is in shape.

That's what I thought, for a 365 pounder he is in great shape. I really like what I read in that article, although I'd like to see him inside. Chances are Grimm is set on having Keith playing guard, so if the House can a do suitable job in pass protection and turn into a mauler at RT I'd be more than happy with that. Apparently Levi Brown might be switching to LT if we don't resign Gandy, which doesn't scare as much seeing as that isn't Leinarts blind side..
 

Catfish

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This is refreshing --- seems like this kid is Old School. Hope he sticks and wins a spot. This type of example could go far with the newly money'd kids just out of college. Keep em away from the clubs.
 

JeffGollin

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On a typical hot, sweaty workout day in the Valley, it might prove wise for a young lineman to stand in the shadow of Herman J to gain a little bit of relief from the boiling sun...:)
 

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Bravery, defined as not only fishing the Mississippi, but eating what you catch.

I'm not sure how many of you know just what lousy shape our most impressive river is in, but it's a cross of Kwik chocolate syrup, motor oil, and DDT.

Loved the interview, hope this is a sign of things to come, as having quality guys ready to take the mantle when the old hang 'em up is what long-term success is all about!
 

cgolden

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Depth the on OL? Who are we becoming? With guy like Big Johnson, Keith, E Brown and Vallejo, there will be some good battles in camp.
 

scoutmasterdave

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that can't be a picture of Johnson. That doesn't look like a 6'7 365 pound guy. That looks more like a LB.I would expect someone that looks to have little more fat on them and no definition. Look at his arms and not a huge gut, that looks like a guy who is in shape.
Yeah, doesn't look like the same dude. This is him (found via Google Images):

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