Junior college football players are expected to make immediate impact. The same was true of Junior College phenom (73 catches, 1,060 yards, and 12 touchdowns in his sophmore year at Chabot College) Steve Johnson when he was brought to Kentucky.

Unfortunately, the season started out slow for the junior from California. Most assume this transition period is due to the shock of speed in the SEC. For Johnson however, it was more an issue of comfort.

"The speed of the SEC wasn't the issue,” said Johnson.  "Where were they going to put me at, the x, the z.  I was switching over from this position to that position, so I finally just started to get both of them.

Steve Johnson

"Keenan sat me down in the meeting room and just taught me both positions," stated Johnson with a smile.  "Late in the season, I was just comfortable, having fun out there.  The adjustment is just getting to know the plays."

That makes more sense, given Johnsons athleticism.  Once the wide out understood his role on the team, he was able to show off his ability not only as a go-up-and-get-it receiver, but as a speedster to compliment Burton and Dicky Lyons (he confirmed his 4.43 second timed 40 during Kentucky's NFL Pro Days).

The success Johnson saw on the field in the last three games of the season however didn't seem to satisfy going into his senior year.  Despite the numbers put on the scorecard, by no means did he feel he had arrived as an SEC wide out.

"Really I'm not even satisfied with any of the games I played," said Johnson.  "What were my total yards for the year, 148?  I'd get that in like one game.  I expect more this year."

And so should the rest of the offense.  Returning every skill player starter, the Kentucky offense runs on the verge of being downright explosive.  As has been said, the proof is in the pudding, and last year Andre Woodson and the core of talent around him demonstrated the ability to score virtually at will.

With success breeds confidence and it is obvious that confidence has made its way into the player’s expectations.

"We know what we have," said Johnson.  "We knew what we had going in to last season.  But going into this season after what we did last year?  Its like, we have a gang of weapons right now.

"The backfield is crazy, the wide receiving group is crazy, and the db's are a year older.  We will be strong."

Not even the national media can argue that this Kentucky squad returns a bevy of talent.  There is only one ball though, and Johnson is one of many fighting for touches.  Such competition could breed contempt, but not with this group, and not with Steve Johnson.

"Hopefully I'll be in there, just like in the Music City Bowl, "stated Johnson.  "Its just that, it doesn't

Steve Johnson Catch Against Ole Miss

"It doesn’t matter if I am in on every play, because that’s just how tight we are.  All of us have trust in all of the receivers."

The hierarchy of goals starts with the team and with wins, but ends in what each player wants to accomplish for himself to assist in reaching the overall objectives.  As for Johnson, he is looking to step into the Dicky Lyons role, at least statistically.

"For this season, I want to get Dicky Lyons stats from last year," Johnson said with a laugh.  "I want to be the Dicky Lyons of this year."

I doubt too many Kentucky football fans would be upset with that. 

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