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Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson wowed Detroiters in his rookie season, putting up a phenomenal 5.4 yards per carry, which was good for second best in the entire NFL.
But it wasn’t just the numbers, it was how he got to those numbers. He was shifty. He had excellent vision. Hell, he even plowed over a defender or two.
For anyone who has known Kerryon since high school, none of this is a surprise. The 23-year-old running back has been doing this for years, and now there is visual proof of it. A clip of Johnson’s high school tape hit Twitter this week, and man, is it fun to watch. Check it out:
Kerryon was a monster in high school! @AyeyoKEJO
— Saint Stafford (@saintstafford9) February 11, 2019
Can’t wait to see this guy soar in his second year!#OnePride pic.twitter.com/GdQSCr1eWN
Oh, but that is just a taste. YouTube has so much more worth watching. Back in his days at Madison Academy, Johnson wasn’t just a talented back, but an unstoppable quarterback running the wildcat and even a highlight-reel machine as a wide receiver.
Watch that and try not to get excited for 2019.
- Today in “Where in the World is Brad Kaaya?”:
Bengals claimed QB Brad Kaaya on waivers from the Indianapolis Colts.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 11, 2019
- Bill Barnwell of ESPN put together an interesting free agency alternate realities article. He picks three potential landing spots for Ezekiel Ansah—and suggests the Lions may sign Trey Flowers in one of those scenarios. He also looks at potential destinations for Golden Tate and what kind of contract he may be seeking.
- 2018 was a down year by Darius Slay’s standards... but it was still a pretty darn good year for the Lions cornerback:
Stephon Gilmore (@BumpNrunGilm0re) was successful on 61.3% of his targets, the highest rate among outside CB.
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) February 8, 2019
CB Success Rate evaluates coverage performance by rewarding defenders that force incompletions while also including completions that put the offense at a disadvantage. pic.twitter.com/R8IXWvZK7F
- MMQB’s Andy Benoit thinks the Lions’ biggest need is... wide receiver. He also suggests grabbing Jamison Crowder in free agency would be a perfect move for the team.
- Sad news as Ron Hughes, former Lions director of player personnel in the 90s, passed away:
Heard some sad news today. Former Lions and Steelers front office exec Ron Hughes passed away this morning. Hughes helped build the Lions teams of the ‘90s. He was a good talent evaluator and better person.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) February 12, 2019
- The Lions may have only had one player that made PFF’s top 101 players of 2018 list, but one player came close, and it may not be the player you’re thinking.