Cleveland Browns: 2015 Mid-Preseason Review Part 1 QB’s and RB’s
Oct 4, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Duke Johnson (8) runs the ball against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Duke Johnson
What is the best thing that can happen for a rookie in training camp? The answer is being the guy the national media, local media, and fans alike are hyping as the player with the most potential to break out. The worst thing? Suffering an injury in training camp that limits your ability to participate in preseason games, which is the case with Cleveland Browns third rounder Duke Johnson.
Much of the hype surrounding Johnson built up over his performance in offseason training activities (OTA’s) and Mini-Camps. His elusive ability coming out of the backfield, catching passes, and making plays had Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com gushing about his potential for the Browns offense. The only problem is that he hasn’t seen the field in any of the preseason games.
He suffered a hamstring injury in the early part of camp and has missed every practice and every game halfway through the preseason. For Johnson to prove to the coaches and the fans that he deserves the hype and the praise, he is going to have to do his work on the field. Johnson does have an exquisite resume coming out of University of Miami (FL).
His 3,519 career rushing yards in three seasons at “The U” is a school record, passing the likes of Edgerrin James, Willis McGahee, and Clinton Portis. To be mentioned among those names shouldn’t be taken lightly, as each of those backs had pretty successful careers in the NFL. Johnson is also Miami’s school record holder in all-purpose yards which proves that he is more than just a runner.
He does catch the ball out of the backfield, can line up as a receiver, and gives the Browns a weapon out of the backfield that they haven’t had in recent years. He could play a Darren Sproles type role in John DeFilippo’s offense.
In order to do that, or to have any impact on the field come game day, Johnson will have to get himself healthy. There are still two preseason games left, and the rumors are that Johnson will be returning to practice this week.
Head Coach Mike Pettine believes that the next two weeks will be big for Johnson, but he has done the prep work behind the scenes and is confident Johnson will be ready to hit the field running. For the Browns offense, let’s hope so. Johnson could be an offensive game changer, and if the Browns offense is going to succeed, they need all the weapons they can get.
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