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Here is the notebook I wrote about UCLA receiver Dominique Johnson, and his need to play with more energy and passion all the time.
In fact, I was told by someone in the program that if it does click for Johnson, and he does give the consistent effort the coaches desire, "he would make more money than he ever dreamed of" playing in the NFL.
It's sickening to read about a player who has the talent to make something of himself but gives so little effort that it makes you wonder if he should even be on scholarship. Just cut the kid loose and give his scholarship to one of the walkons like Dickman or Abbott. Players like this are poison.
There are many players who are known as "gamers." They save their best effors for when it counts during a game. Perhaps they need adreneline to get them going. Dominique Johnson is probably one of these and it can be inferred he was one of the players Neuheisel was complaining about during the week. Johnson seems to realize now that the coaches have reasons for pushing them in practice and that in the long run of a career in football it is better to not be so laid back.
Laid back = lazy in football terms. That will land him a seat on the pine.
The times that he did make big plays against UT he looked as smooth and big (although not necessarily height wise) as J.J.
I hope he truly gets the message that hard work will pay dividends.
Fan4Life, what do you make of the fact that Coach Neu is *REWARDING* him for his "poisonous" attitude?
DomJohn wasn't a starter under KD...but under Neu he is. Even though he is "poison," IYO.
Interesting times ahead...
Okay, poison was too harsh. But it's upsetting to hear players not giving it their all especially when there are so many impressionable freshmen around. Moutra, Johnson, Embree and Rosario could use whatever extra help/advice they can get and Johnson has the most receptions of any returner.