Andre Johnson
Position: Wide Receiver
Drafted: Round 1, 3rd Overall
Height: 6′ 2″
Weight: 230
College: Miami (FL)
Birthdate: July 11, 1981
NFL Comparison: Terrell Owens
Strengths: A rare combination of deep speed and tackle-breaking size makes Andre Johnson close to the prototypical wideout that today’s NFL offenses crave. While only a few receivers are truly considered gamebreakers, every team hopes for someone who can actually take over a game from that position the way Jerry Rice once did or the way Randy Moss and Terrell Owens have done in recent seasons. That’s what makes Johnson so coveted.
Johnson was blessed to have a talented supporting cast at Miami where he did not need to be the focus of the offense. He caught national attention in Pasadena during the 2002 Orange Bowl where he undressed the vaunted Nebraska defense for seven catches, 199 yards and two scores to secure a National Championship. He’s obviously not afraid of the big stage.
He grabbed 52 passes for 1,092 yards and nine touchdowns for the Hurricanes in 2002, becoming the second receiver in school history to surpass 1,000 yards in a season. Andre had four games of over 100 yards including two breathtaking performances to end the regular season. Against Syracuse, he racked up 181 yards and one touchdown then followed that up with 193 yards and a score against Virginia Tech.
Johnson has good body control, using shorter steps than the typical strider. He is hard to knock off his feet, accelerates quickly, is an outstanding leaper and will outrun almost anyone on the field with his 4.3 speed. He is an above average blocker who should match up well against any corner in the NFL.
Areas of Concern: He needs work on running precise routes and some question his hands, an area that may become critical with the velocity David Carr puts on a ball. Had trouble academically and is not considered a bright kid. Although most consider him to be a good person and not a troublemaker, he’s no boy scout.
Johnson had shoulder surgery in 2002 to remove some loose particles but came back strong and is not considered an injury risk. He doesn’t not always show concetration on the field but this was usually during blowouts.
2003 Expectations: Johnson should initially start out behind Jabar Gaffney and Corey Bradford, being used as a third wide receiver. Although he did some kick returning in college, don’t expect him to do so for Houston unless coach Dom Capers gets desperate. Down the road, Andre should be Carr’s primary weapon in the passing attack and his presence should make Gaffney better, as well. He should be the big play man in the Texan offense for years to come.
profile by Bob Hulsey
YEAR G CAT YDS AVG TD 2002 12 52 1092 21.0 9 2001 12 37 682 18.4 10 2000 11 3 57 19.0 1 1999 (REDSHIRTED) TOTALS 45 92 1831 19.9 20
Andre Johnson 
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