Gartrell Johnson SELECTED BY: Chargers Round 4 (34)

SI Grade 3.27 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a senior after rushing totals of 251/1191/10 with 27/205 as a pass catcher. Lined up at fullback as a junior yet still finish the season with 181/957/6 on the ground.

POSITIVES: Hard charging ball carrier who plays with an aggressive style. Displays good vision, quick through the hole and runs with authority. Grinds it out on the inside, displays strength in his lower body and the ability to break several tackles in a single carry. Patiently waits for blocks to develop, follows them everywhere on the field and works runs hard. Keeps his feet moving on contact and falls forward when tackled. Adequate pass catcher out of the backfield. Gives effort blocking picking up assignments and squares into defenders in pass protection, knocking opponents from their angle of attack.

NEGATIVES: Not effective outside of tackle and better in a straight line. Loses momentum when he must cut back or quickly change direction. Does not run with great balance. Lacks breakaway speed in the open field.

ANALYSIS: Johnson is a tough, hard-nosed player effective carrying the ball or blocking for the running back. He lacks true fullback size and does not possess running back speed yet could fit in at the next level as a fourth back brought onto the field during short yardage situations.

PROJECTION: Seventh Round/Free Agent