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(UWIRE) COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Sophomore quarterback Jerrod Johnson has quickly become a fan favorite at Texas A&M University, and he's barely spent any time on the field.
With seven passing attempts and 13 rushing attempts under his belt, Johnson has scored three touchdowns and inspired fans with shades of a young Reggie McNeal.
However, it's important to remember that Johnson is only a sophomore, and the team, for the time being, is Stephen McGee's. It was under McGee's tutelage that Johnson grew into a fan favorite and shown so much talent.
"He's a good friend," Johnson said. "All of our quarterbacks are very close and we help each other as much as we can. McGee is a great leader and leads by example. He watches the team and cares about it very deeply. He has 12 years of experience and is a real good leader. He knows how to run the game and the team really well."
While the team is under the leadership of McGee, who will be in his final season, the fan base has seen McGee take many brutal hits, and McGee's game has, at times, shown those hits. Johnson brings a fresh style to the table, and whenever he enters the game keeps the crowd on its toes.
"I have my strengths and he has his," Johnson said. "Style is kind of hard for me to talk about. It's really all about how the spectators and the fans view the game and our style."
Johnson, along with the rest of the team, has been working with new head coach Mike Sherman to build the team into the elite team they think it has the potential to be.
"I like coach a lot," Johnson said. "He's very stern and teaches discipline. You got to respect all of the coaches and take what they say to heart. Between them they have decades of pro experience so we all listen when they speak. They've taught us a lot, especially about how to get out there, take care of business and play hard."
With Sherman comes a new offense and outlook, two things Johnson is excited and prepared for.
"We're going to run lots of play action and movement throws," Johnson said. "We get to move around a lot and I'm really confident in my ability to play that style."
For now, Johnson is willing to just compete and play back up on McGee's team. However, when it's Johnson's turn to take the reigns, few doubt he won't be ready and the transition will be rough.
"I just came to school and will play when the opportunity is given to me," Johnson said. "When you get recruited to come here and play in front of 85,000 people and the 12th Man, you need to be ready to compete and play hard. I'm just going to go out there and do my best."
(C) 2008 The Battalion via U-WIRE
