Johnny's Start

Football, Johnny's tenure at Oregon State University is now long over but not many people know where it began.  I did not feel I could share any details publicly until his future was determined. It is amazing how every public exposure on social media can be a blessing and a risk. Here is the story:

Johnny and Marcus Perry

In the beginning...Johnny finished up his last game in December at OSU. At the suggestion of his coaches, he entered the 2012 NFL draft. He postponed graduation until he could take advantage of the time to train specifically for that new level, and respond to any teams interested in scouting him. After consulting with his friend Josh Bidwell on the process, and picking an agent that would represent him, Johnny signed with an agent out of Phoenix, AZ.

He first went to Pratville Alabama to train with Coach Mike McCabe of One on One Kicking. Johnny had trained there several times in the offseason of his career.  He spent most of the winter back and forth to Alabama. He competed in the NFL Regional Combine in New Jersey in February at the Jets stadium and did well enough to get an invite to the Super Regional Combine in Detroit.

Pro Day at OSU was the morning before the awards banquet at Reser Stadium. The Pro Day was well attended by around 15-16 NFL scouts or coaches according to my photos. One of those coaches was Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel from the St. Louis Rams. Coach Fassel was right next to Johnny and in his and Coach Riley's ear all day. He did an extensive workout on the field with Johnny, Marcus Perry, and James Rodgers as the punt returner. There were some warm up kicks then down to business. Coach Fassel ran Johnny and the group through their paces. His assistant was collecting the data on the sidelines. He ran Johnny through drills evaluating:

The meeting

• Distance punts ( yardage, hang time, and drop zone)
• Directional punts (supposed to be between the left or right hash and sideline)
• End Zone punts (creates a short zone between punter and defenders)
• Aussie Drop, (flip punts the die flat when they hit)
• Rugby style (punts kicked in motion that fly and then roll)
• Fake punts (throwing for yardage and first down instead of punting)
• Holding (receiving the snap and holding the ball for the field goal kicker)
• Kick Offs (in case of needing to do backup for an injured kicker)

John Fassel Special Teams

Punting

Throwing

Talking with Coach Fassel

Approaching the punter

Coaching up the boys!

There were several other coaches and scouts along the sidelines keeping their own stats as Coach Fassel ran Johnny through the paces. I have huge respect for Coach Fassel because he not only gathered the data he wanted but was really coaching Johnny and Marcus. I felt like he was not wasting an opportunity to leave the players with something tangible from him, whether the Rams picked them or not. He had some great comments. As a parent, I am proud this kind of man will be coaching my son.

Over the next several weeks Johnny would be contacted by several teams and at the onset of the NFL Draft was unsure who would want him and make an offer and step up to the plate. That call came within seconds after the end of the NFL Draft, in fact, several calls came in, and then a call from his agent about a solid offer. I will never forget the smile on Johnny's face as he stepped out of the other room and said, " I'm a Ram!" I really believe this is what he wanted all along. This is a match made in heaven.

It was so funny, I had immediately moved into protective Mommy zone when I heard the news and was worrying about 'all the sharks' you hear of at that level. I went to church on Sunday and let all that go and got into worshipping Jesus, and just being grateful. I was lost in worship when I heard the Lord's voice say, "I've got a Ram caught in the thicket." I started giggling inside. He truly cares about his sheep! Over the next week, I would learn many things from Genesis 22 and settle into a great peace that Johnny is indeed exactly where he was meant to be and will thrive through this experience. Later friends.
Keep the faith, hug your family, and watch football!
There are some incredible humans playing the game if you watch for them.