Tez Johnson's Decision

Oregon's standout wide receiver, Tez Johnson, has made headlines after clocking a 4.51 in the 40-yard dash during the recent Scouting Combine. Despite the buzz and anticipation surrounding his potential second opportunity at Oregon’s Pro Day, Johnson surprised many by choosing not to run again.

With a lean build at just 154 pounds, Johnson’s decision ignites debate—did he play it safe, or does he genuinely believe that speed isn’t the sole indicator of his capabilities? 'You can watch my tape and see that can’t nobody catch me,' Johnson expressed confidently, as reported by Zachary Neel of USA Today. 'I don’t think the 40 really defines you as a football player. It just shows that you can run a fast time.'

Performance at the Combine and Beyond

While his 4.51-second dash ranked him 29th among the 39 wide receivers at the combine and marked the lowest time for any receiver under 170 pounds since 2003, Johnson stands firm in his belief that his on-field performance speaks volumes. 'That’s my time,' he stated. 'I’m going to own up to that. When they say Tez Johnson 4.51, that’s what I ran.'

Notably, Johnson exhibited incredible agility, recording the fastest three-cone drill time of any receiver at the combine with a remarkable 6.65 seconds. This skill reflects his exceptional quickness and ability to change direction, a vital trait for wide receivers in the increasingly competitive NFL landscape.

Career Highlights and NFL Draft Prospects

His statistics back up his assertions: throughout his two seasons at Oregon, Johnson tallied an impressive 169 receptions for 2,080 yards and an astounding 20 touchdowns. These numbers underscore his ability to make significant plays and contribute to his team’s offensive success.

As the NFL Draft approaches, Johnson's unique style and performance could make him a dark horse in the wide receiver class. Will teams overlook his 40-yard dash time for his proven track record? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: Tez Johnson is ready to prove that there’s more to being a wide receiver than a single sprint down the field!