Negative Opinion on DJ and A. Smith

http://www.nypost.com/sports/43284.htm

I tend to agree with the media overhyping A. Smith. He doesn't have the strongest arm. How could he then have best proday since Aikman?? Plueese!!

I don't know what to think of DJ. I'm just not sold on him as everyone else on this board. Texas did play a lot of crappy opponents over the years. I wonder if DJ made plays in that Rose Bowl game, although he did play well against OK this past year.

Texas LB Derrick Johnson - His production clearly doesn't match his hype. The rap on Johnson is that he can dominate lesser competition, but disappears in big games. Not a great way to enter the professional level.

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DJ had 130 tackles (19 TFLs) and forced a NCAA high 9 fumbles in '04. A very nice way to end your career. He didn't have his best day against Michigan, but he was credited with 16 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble against OU. The Horns lost the game (again), but you can't point the finger at Derrick. Other than the Rose Bowl, Johnson has produced in Bowl games. Disappears in big games? Maybe the writer has DJ confused with Benson.

From tfhe NY Post link:
"Here are three other players The Post has learned are rising meteorically:

Georgia DE David Pollack - It would be shocking if Pollack got past the Lions at 10, and he very likely could go higher. He's certainly not exceptionally big, strong, or fast, but the kid can flat-out play. He reminds many scouts of a Tedy Bruschi type-player.

Maryland DE/LB Shawne Merriman - A great offseason has him almost definitely jumping into the Top 10. He's extremely versatile and a relentless, aggressive pass rusher who could land in Washington at No. 9.

Georgia S Thomas Davis - Extremely big hitter continues to climb the charts and looks to be headed toward the top half of the first round, potentially going to Houston with the 13th pick, or even possibly sixth overall to Tennessee.

As for those who have hurt themselves:

Michigan DB Marlin Jackson - A corner who also projects to play safety didn't do himself any favors by injuring his wrist at Michigan's pro day. He's likely to drop into the bottom of the first round. The Eagles, at 31, would love to jump on Jackson.

West Virginia CB Adam "Pac-Man" Jones - While the media's hyping Jones as a Top 5 pick, several scouts and personnel types said they wouldn't be surprised if he fell all the way to the bottom of the first round, and potentially into the second. While possessing tremendous speed, Jones is very short (5-8), very undisciplined and needs a lot of technique work.

Texas LB Derrick Johnson - His production clearly doesn't match his hype. The rap on Johnson is that he can dominate lesser competition, but disappears in big games. Not a great way to enter the professional level."
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These guys at the Post don't mind making some controversial predictions:
like Pac-Man possibly falling totally out of the first round or Pollack being
a top 10 pick.
And I dunno...the Shawnee Merriman predraft workout/hype babble-noise is reaching to Mike Mamula levels.

nunusguy said:

Texas LB Derrick Johnson - His production clearly doesn't match his hype. The rap on Johnson is that he can dominate lesser competition, but disappears in big games. Not a great way to enter the professional level."

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Is this guy serious? Holy ****. They complain about him disappearing during the rose bowl, but Michigan could not run the ball, and he caused a fumble..... What a ****ty day. If they run right at him, he isnt going to be able to make every tackle, thats why there are other players on the field. His responsibility in those situations is to take on blocks so another player can make a play. In that situation it was aaron harris with a huge day.

DJ is a rare player. The write ups about him are about the same as they were for Ray Lewis. He turned out terrible didnt he, and he fell somewhere in the 20s to baltimore. DJ does have a tendency to run around blocks, but most linebackers due because 320 against 250 does not always go their way. DJ will have just as big a season as DJ Williams for Denver unless he gets hurt. My main problem with DJ is that he does not protect his legs well on cut blocks.

For one, did you know that Smith's receivers at the workout were told not to run full speed? Of course, that makes the fact that only two of his 90 passes hit the ground much less impressive.

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If you go 88 of 90, I don't care if your targets are stationary...that's impressive.

NY POST is 1 reason y i dont like Yankees

Hahaha, I find it very amusing how many people take it personally when something bad is said about DJ and Ced Benson on this board.



If both guys were as perfect as Ive heard them described as then they would be going 1 and 2. Its ok, all players have something they dont do particularly well.

I just happen to think these guys will be better pros once given the right coaching.

If DJ tries to run around tackles, it will hurt him.

I think Benson will be a bruising back for Miami, Tampa, or Arizona. He might be run into the ground wherever he goes.

Texas LB Derrick Johnson - His production clearly doesn't match his hype.

OMG, I would think even a horrible publication like the NYPost would be able to get this one right. If you don't love DJ then you must have never watched any UT games at all. I would say Benson is over-hyped, although he had the production. But DJ is anything but hyped by the media. Watch this video, its more idicative of a weekly performance instead of career highlight:

DJ highlight video

The Post shouldn't get their PGA guys to write NFL columns.

IMO UT doens't get love from the east coast.. whether it is DJ's hype or BCS polls ... East coast journalist are tough on UT..

Wolf said:

IMO UT doens't get love from the east coast.. whether it is DJ's hype or BCS polls ... East coast journalist are tough on UT..

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I hope UT kills Ohio State this year then that will shut those yanks up

Come on now, you guys aren't far enough west to claim east coast bias on this.

If you don't love DJ then you must have never watched any UT games at all...But DJ is anything but hyped by the media. Watch this video, its more idicative of a weekly performance instead of career highlight:

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ive seen johnson play for a couple years now, a little more than 'any UT games at all', and i don't love DJ. he's an exceptional athlete who had an outstanding collegiate career, that guarantee's nothing, especially if his success was due to a raw speed advantage that won't likely be there in the NFL. and FYI, at least a quarter of that video is different games against baylor...

Hahaha, I find it very amusing how many people take it personally when something bad is said about DJ and Ced Benson on this board

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AGREED

jr0ck said:

and FYI, at least a quarter of that video is different games against baylor...

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I was hoping no one would notice that. It wouldn't be surprising that a good portion of the Big 12 prospects' highlights came in games agasint Baylor. Fact of the matter is we made lots of guys look REALLY good. That'll change soon...I hope.

Lol, I really like Baylor and hope they get better soon too.

texasguy346 said:

That'll change soon...I hope.

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That's what the Ponies have been saying for 20 years now. Peruna (the mascot) represents the SMU program perfectly. It's the SMU Mustangs, yet we run a shetland pony out onto the field. There is not a more intimidating sight than Peruna.

Don't look for too much serious news out of the New York Post. They are all about sensationalism.

At least we got the mascot right. We got a bear so it's at least a little intimidating. Morris looks like he's doing a good job with the football program, and the women's basketball team is in the final four. That counts right? If we can be competitive against the big teams like Texas and OU I'd be happy. Or at least I'd like to see Floyd Casey Stadium at least half filled with Green and Gold as opposed to a sea of Orange. At least 3/4 of the crowd for the UT game is rooting for the Longhorns in Waco.

Vinny said:

Don't look for too much serious news out of the New York Post. They are all about sensationalism.

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sensationalism or plagiarism

j/k I know NYP had some problems earlier..hopefully they got corrected

seriously..only thing I have heard negatively about DJ (before this) was that you are to run at him...he will chase you down if you don't

I just watched the highlight video on this.. I have some concerns about DJ tackling at the next level... no mistake about his ability to punch the ball out, but looking at the ones that he wasn't trying to do.. A lot of shoulder tackles on that highlight reel...He will need some work at the NFL level on that.. there are some bigger backs out there that won't go down with just a shoulder tackle.... but that is correctable