Post by Free Agent Fan on Sept 28, 2006 13:28:07 GMT -5
Johnson views Freeze signing as contingency plan
By Mike Copper
mike.copper@timesnews.com
Jovon Johnson is grateful to the Erie Freeze. He really is.
The former Mercyhurst Prep and University of Iowa cornerback recently signed a contract with the Freeze for the 2007 American Indoor Football League season.
However, come spring Johnson hopes he'll be on fields larger than the one found inside Tullio Arena.
He believes the NFL is still in his future after a summer spent at the New York Jets training camp.
"The whole thing with the Freeze is not definite," Johnson said Wednesday. "Right now, it's a contingency plan. It's a backup plan if the others fall through, but it's a guarantee if I don't make it."
Johnson's other plans include football overseas.
His name could be submitted to the allocation list for NFL Europe. The league's 2007 draft will take place in late January or early February. That's around the time the Freeze will begin their season.
Johnson said the Arena Football League, whose regular season will start in late January, also could be a possibility.
He signed with the Jets as a free agent after he was passed over in the NFL draft. After three separate stints with the team, he was released late in training camp Aug. 28.
Johnson had interest from the Oakland Raiders and Carolina Panthers after he was cut but was never formally contacted. Like playing cornerback, he believes making an NFL roster is about timing.
"I know I'm capable of playing in that league," he said. "I had the confidence level to step on the same field with those guys. I know I can play with them somewhere."
For now, Johnson will concentrate on helping his alma mater remain undefeated. He's an assistant coach for Mercyhurst Prep, which is 4-0 going into Friday's game at Saegertown.
"It's good to be able to pass along the knowledge I've learned through college," he said, "The guys I coach at my position know they're capable to be just as successful."
By Mike Copper
mike.copper@timesnews.com
Jovon Johnson is grateful to the Erie Freeze. He really is.
The former Mercyhurst Prep and University of Iowa cornerback recently signed a contract with the Freeze for the 2007 American Indoor Football League season.
However, come spring Johnson hopes he'll be on fields larger than the one found inside Tullio Arena.
He believes the NFL is still in his future after a summer spent at the New York Jets training camp.
"The whole thing with the Freeze is not definite," Johnson said Wednesday. "Right now, it's a contingency plan. It's a backup plan if the others fall through, but it's a guarantee if I don't make it."
Johnson's other plans include football overseas.
His name could be submitted to the allocation list for NFL Europe. The league's 2007 draft will take place in late January or early February. That's around the time the Freeze will begin their season.
Johnson said the Arena Football League, whose regular season will start in late January, also could be a possibility.
He signed with the Jets as a free agent after he was passed over in the NFL draft. After three separate stints with the team, he was released late in training camp Aug. 28.
Johnson had interest from the Oakland Raiders and Carolina Panthers after he was cut but was never formally contacted. Like playing cornerback, he believes making an NFL roster is about timing.
"I know I'm capable of playing in that league," he said. "I had the confidence level to step on the same field with those guys. I know I can play with them somewhere."
For now, Johnson will concentrate on helping his alma mater remain undefeated. He's an assistant coach for Mercyhurst Prep, which is 4-0 going into Friday's game at Saegertown.
"It's good to be able to pass along the knowledge I've learned through college," he said, "The guys I coach at my position know they're capable to be just as successful."
