MORGANTOWN -
Walk into an NFL locker room during the preseason and you
will see known starters holding down their own locker. Other players fighting
for a roster spot must share lockers.
Former Mountaineer Will Johnson is in the latter of the two
groups, but could find himself with his own locker in the near future.
Johnson opened training camp as one of two fullbacks on the
Steelers roster. Presumed starter David Johnson suffered a season-ending injury
in the preseason, which left Will Johnson as the only fullback on the roster.
The Steelers have left Johnson as the only fullback on the
roster for now, which indicates he could see plenty of playing time this fall.
"It's definitely been a dream come true," Johnson said. "I
have been fortunate enough to be in this organization and blessed to come in
here and show what I can do."
Johnson, as any good young player in the NFL would do, paid
close attention to David Johnson in camp. Having an opportunity to start is
something he wanted, just not due to injury.
"I've been given a great opportunity," Johnson said. "It is
unfortunate the way I got it, but I am more than capable of doing it. I'm just
excited they have given me the opportunity to do it."
Johnson played tight end and fullback by the end of his
college career at West Virginia University. Playing those two positions helped
him prepare for his current job with the Steelers.
"I believe reading defensive fronts and tight end blocking
transitions over to the fullback really well," Johnson stated. "Just being able
to keep my pass routes and catching means I have a lot of versatility in my
game."
Versatility is important for players trying to make the
final cut on an NFL roster. Typically those who can play special teams win the
tiebreaker over those who cannot.
The Steelers could decide to pick up a fullback who is cut
right before the season. They could also decided to go with Johnson this fall.
"Hopefully I am still around come the regular season," Johnson
said. "I am taking it day-by-day and not looking ahead. I am just focusing on
right now."
Johnson has decent hands and can be a factor in the passing
game. At this point, the Steelers are using his size and agility to help
protect Ben Roethlisberger and lead the way for the running backs.
"I am basically a lead blocker and a halfback some," Johnson
said of his role with the Steelers. "I got one carry tonight and it was okay
because we are down on backs right now. They are using me as a lead blocker and
trying to fulfill that role and I am comfortable with that."
Johnson will try to continue impressing his coaches tonight when the Steelers visit the Buffalo Bills.
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