Newest Bucs quarterback is unknown commodity

By ROGER MOONEY

rmooney@bradenton.com

Josh Johnson was about to tuck the football under his arm and head upfield when he noticed a hint of space between his tight end and a linebacker, enough space to complete a pass if Johnson could put enough air under the throw.

"It was a jump-ball," Johnson said. "The wrong guy came down with it."

Johnson attempted 301 passes last season for the University of San Diego. Only one was intercepted. That one.

"People don't believe me when I tell them that," Johnson said.

It is a little tough to digest.

Johnson completed 206 passes, including 43 for touchdowns and one lonely interception.

"It really happened," Johnson said.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers used their fifth-round pick on Johnson, the 6-foot-2, 201-pound dual-threat quarterback from Division I-AA San Diego, who owns the I-AA record for passing efficiency.

You might wonder why the Bucs would need another quarterback, since they have five active ones on the roster and another who is retired. Or you might be like coach Jon Gruden, who believes quarterbacks are like pitchers - you can never have too many good ones.

You also might wonder if the Bucs were going to take a quarterback, why would they take one from a I-AA non-scholarship program?

Well, because Johnson played in a version of the West Coast offense and was coached until his senior season by former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh, and because, well, 113 touchdown passes against 15 interceptions during a four-year career are impressive even if it didn't happen at USC, and it does say this kid might be worth a look.

Also, Johnson rushed for 1,864 career yards and 19 touchdowns, which gives him another must-have for quarterbacks in Gruden's offense - mobility.

So, join the party, kid.

"I feel like a freshman again," Johnson said Friday after his first day of rookie minicamp. "A freshman at the highest level."

There are concerns about Johnson competing at the highest level, especially after a poor display of passing at the NFL Scouting Combine. But he was the MVP of the East-West Shrine Game, and he does have a ridiculous history of passing accuracy in college.

"He has not good statistics, not great statistics, he has spectacular statistics," Bucs general manager Bruce Allen said. "We wanted to give him a chance to see what he can do in the NFL."

One NFL scout, who attended San Diego's pro day, said Johnson has ability, but "he's not instant coffee."

Which is fine with both Johnson and the Bucs. Given the team's quarterback depth, Johnson has time to percolate.

"Is he the quarterback of the future? I don't know," Gruden said. "But he will compete, and he will be very interesting."

He already is interesting.

One interception.

"That's the truth," Johnson said. "And I'd like to have that one back."