Georgia Tech's Johnson seen as a can't-miss WR

Bucs, other teams would love to have receiver join them.

By RICK STROUD
Published February 14, 2007

LAKE BUENA VISTA -Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson stood just a fly pattern away from the practice field the Bucs call home for training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports.

"I could definitely see myself fitting in down here," Johnson said. "I'd love it."

The Bucs aren't the only team that would love Johnson.

The 6-foot-4, 234-pound junior is projected as a top five pick. But first, he is prepping for the league's scouting combine in Indianapolis next week.

Tuesday, speed and conditioning coach Tom Shaw put Johnson and several dozen college players through a workout.

Johnson was clocked at 4.33 in the 40, recorded an 11-foot standing broad jump and had a vertical leap of 43 inches.

"Calvin Johnson is a kid where no one is going to go wrong," Shaw said. "He doesn't have any negatives against him. He's a sure thing. He's Peyton Manning."

LEAK GAINS CONFIDENCE: After leading the Gators to a national title, quarterback Chris Leak doesn't lack confidence. The knock: At 6 feet, he is short by NFL standards.

But he admits to getting a lift from 49ers offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who coached him on the South squad of the Senior Bowl.

"He said I've got plenty of height and I don't have to worry about that," Leak said of Turner. "He said I have a bright future and being able to read defenses and pick up offenses. That gives you a lot of confidence you can play."

[Last modified February 14, 2007, 01:10:04]