Johnson the understudy

The 6-foot-4, 300-pound offensive lineman said a big factor in his decision to play football at Tennessee was the opportunity to learn from rising senior left tackle Arron Sears, the only returning starter from UT’s offensive line last season.

"He (Sears) can teach me all the fundamentals, techniques, everything I need to know," Johnson said. "I’m going to try to get as much out of him as I can. I’m going to sit back and observe everything."

Johnson, from Morgan Park High School in Chicago, Ill., chose UT over Illinois. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Johnson said he still plans to see playing time as a freshman. He said his attitude will be the difference.

"I’m not going to be one of those freshmen going in out of shape," he said. "I’m not going to back down from challenges. I’m going to show my true character in the summer time."

Johnson said he plans to enroll at UT during the second session of summer school in July.

Johnson took an official visit to UT on Jan. 13. He said he fell in love with the new environment.

"They had southern hospitality," he said. "You can’t beat it. It just felt like I took a trip to another home.

"The whole town is beautiful. There’s a beautiful view of the mountains. The people played a big role in the whole decision."

Johnson said UT was an overall better fit for him than Illinois. He took an official visit to Illinois on Jan. 20.

Still, Johnson said he isn’t sure what life will be like away from home.

"I won’t know until I find out," he said. "But I’m up for the challenge. It feels good to be a Volunteer."

Johnson said he knows UT’s offense struggled during the Vols’ 5-6 season in 2005. But he said he expects better results in 2006 under new offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe.

"I understand the offense wasn’t clicking last year but it should this year," Johnson said. "I hope I can come in and make a contribution to bring the offense where it needs to be."