Ohio State and NFLPA Bowl alum safety Orhian Johnson has the combination of size and athleticism that NFL teams covet. At 6ft 3, 211 lbs, Johnson has the measurables of a playmaking safety. Johnson played part-time at strong safety for Ohio, but as a senior, he started all 12 games at free safety recording 39 tackles (19 solo) and 2 interceptions.
Scouts consider Johnson a playmaking safety with good ball skills. During NFLPA bowl practices, scouts called Johnson one of the most vocal defenders in the all-star game. He displayed an ability to diagnosis routes and hit.
Johnson is a raw prospect and has to develop better angle-taking when attempting to tackle. Scouts also would like to see him add muscle to his frame and increase overall awareness. With his collegiate production, Johnson is listed as a late round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. But he clearly has the tools to be a contributor in the NFL.
Combine invite? No- Should have been
Pro Day: March 20th
Pro Player Insider’s Theresa Villano was able to catch up with Orhian Johnson as many of the players who participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl took time to give back to the host community with Habitat for Humanity in LA:
PPI – So Orhian you are from “The” Ohio State University? The first player that is doing things in the league for OSU I can think of is Pro Bowler Donte Whitner. do you know Donte Whitner?
O.J – Personally, just from going to Ohio State, I know him from that. But as far as relationship – we don’t have nothing like that.
PPI – So today, you’re here giving back — One Team, One Community. What has been your role here (with Habitat for Humanity) today?
O.J – My role today was to lay down the cement and bring the wood over here. So, really I was just trying to help out. We were working on the fence, but primarily I was trying to make sure we get the holes taken up and put the cement down — trying to get the foundation right.
PPI – Why do you think community service is going to play a role in your life in the league?
O.J – Coming from St. Petersburg, Florida, we kind of know this type of situation. It’s tough spots everywhere in the world. But just getting a chance to help someone out, when I know what it’s like to go through a struggle — it gives me a certain joy. Coming from Ohio State, we do it a lot(of community service). So, it’s something I enjoy — I don’t mind giving back.
PPI – Has there been anyone there for you during that struggle?
O.J – Our family was a close-knit family and we stayed together through most of it. I mean, it wasn’t anything crazy — we didn’t have the greatest life, but we always enjoyed it.
PPI – It’s draft night, you’re sitting with your family — what team would you love to play for?
O.J – The first team I’d like to play for is the team that’s going to write me the biggest check. Tampa Bay, just because I grew up there. But really right now, I don’t have a favorite team — I just root for the home team. But whoever wants me, I’m willing to go there. 
ABOVE: Johnson pictured (far Left) in Post Press Conference for 2013 NFLPA BOWL Game
PPI’s Fire Five with Theresa Villano:
1. PPI – You hit the corner store, you’re hungry — What do you pick up first?
O.J – Honeybun.
2. PPI – What do you do in your free time?
O.J – I’m probably sleep.
3. PPI – Who is your celebrity crush?
O.J -Theresa (of Pro Player Insiders) of course. (chuckles)4. PPI – Is there a quote that you always tell people to inspire them?
O.J -I always tell people to “keep your confidence.”
5. PPI – Where can we find you on twitter?
O.J -I actually don’t have a twitter, but you can follow my homeboy (Ohio State’s CB) @TravisHoward_7 on twitter. Follow him!
PPI – Lastly, How fast are you going to run the forty-yard dash?
O.J -Faster than the person in front of me.
PPI - Great answer good luck in the draft Orhian. Pro Player Insiders will be rooting for you.
Interview by Theresa Villano
