DANIELE FRANCESCHI – ARGOS ADMIRALS INSIDER
TORONTO – He is known as “juke-el”. Rookie CFL tailback Jeremiah Johnson adopted this humorous nickname following an impressive showing at Argonauts training camp. Johnson’s world-class footwork makes him a unique offensive weapon. While his teammates may joke about his unorthodox running style, Johnson affirms that he is much more than a one-dimensional commodity.
“They call me ‘juke-el’ because I juke past a lot of defenders,” commented Johnson following Monday’s practice. “In all seriousness, I just try to keep opposing defences on their heels. I have a wide array of skills at my disposal.”
As the Argonauts shift their attention to this week’s regular season opener in Winnipeg, Johnson continues to make strides within Scott Milanovich’s complex offence. The 27-year-old Los Angeles, California native earned a spot on the Argos’ 46-man roster following a 67-yard, one touchdown performance against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Boatmen’s pre-season finale.
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Johnson is currently one of four running backs vying for the opportunity to line-up under centre behind future hall of fame quarterback Ricky Ray. Curtis Steele, Steve Slaton and Anthony Coombs are also in competition with Johnson for carries in the Argonauts backfield.
Steele, 27, is entering his second season as a member of the Double Blue, while Coombs, a 21-year-old Winnipeg, Manitoba native, is set to enter his rookie campaign. Slaton is set to begin the season on the 1-game injured list. Overall, Johnson is not overly concerned with the current state of affairs in the Argos’ backfield. The former Oregon standout has nothing but respect for his fellow tailbacks and affirms that the Argonauts’ coaching staff will ultimately have the final say in regards to who emerges as the team’s starter.
“All we can do is come out here and practice hard and do what we’re told,” stated Johnson. “If they feel that Curtis (Steele) is better prepared, or A.C. (Anthony Coombs) is more ready to start, that is the coach’s decision to make.”
At five-foot-nine and 210 pounds, Johnson prides himself on pass blocking. As Chad Kackert learned in 2012, a sound blocking technique can result in immense success within Scott Milanovich’s offensive system. Johnson understands Milanovich’s expectations with respect to pass blocking and embraces the challenge of locking horns with some of the Canadian Football League’s top defensive players.
“I think, if anything separates anyone in the backfield, it is pass protection,” said Johnson. “The offence is tailored around that and we have a future hall of famer back there delivering the football. We want Ricky (Ray) to be comfortable back there. That’s the goal.”
Prior to travelling north of the border, Johnson spent parts of five seasons in the NFL where he played for the Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, and Washington Redskins.
Upon his arrival in Toronto, Johnson experienced a difficult transition phase as he attempted to become acclimated to the CFL game. Despite facing a significant learning curve, Johnson eventually settled into his comfort zone during training camp and began his ascension towards the top of the Argonauts’ crowded depth chart.
In many ways, Johnson is not your prototypical, conventional running back. Argonauts head coach Scott Milanovich echoed those very same sentiments as he addressed the media following Monday’s practice at York Stadium.
“Jeremiah has a natural instinct to find the soft spot and run to daylight. He picks his spots and he can go anywhere,” remarked Milanovich. “He’s unpredictable in that sense but he doesn’t leave a lot of yards out there. He has had a really good camp. He can catch the ball out the backfield and we also believe that he will be a good blocker for us.”
In two pre-season games, Johnson received a grand total of 12 carries. However, the lack of touches does not phase the Argos’ import tailback. Truthfully, quality is more important than quantity and no one understands this concept better than “juke-el”.
Don’t let his small stature fool you. Johnson’s sturdy little frame packs quite a punch. Although he prides himself on his pass blocking skills, the former 1,200-yard rusher possesses a competitive desire that is simply second to none. Johnson is grateful for the opportunity that he has received with the Argonauts and is eager to strut his stuff in front of a national audience on Thursday night in Winnipeg.
“I’m a small guy but I know how to utilize the special talents that God has given me,” said Johnson. “However, don’t get it twisted. At the end of day, if there is a body in front of me in the end zone, I will dip my head and that’s where I think I’m going to surprise a lot of people. I will engage the tempo of the game and get after it.”
Insider’s Extra – Game Planning For The ‘Peg
Jeremiah Johnson is already a seasoned veteran when it comes to playing in Winnipeg. Thursday night’s regular season opener will mark the second time in the span of three weeks that Johnson has suited up for a game at Investors Group Field. When questioned about what to expect from the Double Blue offence on Thursday, Johnson reiterated the importance of pass protection in direct affiliation with the team’s offensive success.
“The main priority is keeping #15’s back clean. As long as he is upright and he can complete his passes, we’ll be all right,” declared Johnson. “We already had a look at Winnipeg so that allows us to make adjustments. Personally, I’m just eager to hit somebody in the mouth. I’m a little guy but I pride myself on blocking. I want to protect my quarterback. I take that kind of responsibility personally.”