Discussing Duke Johnson with State of The U – Dawgs By Nature

The University of Miami has a storied tradition of producing great running backs.Edgerrin James, Clinton Portis, and Willis McGahee all starred for the Hurricanes.

But none of these players hold the school’s career rushing record. That distinction is held by Duke Johnson.

The Browns used a third round draft pick in this year’s draft to acquire the 5’9, 207 pound running back. Scouting reports shower Johnson with praise, but is the Miami, Florida native the real deal?

To find out, we connected with Jerry Steinberg of SB Nation’s UM site, State of The U.

Full Q & A below:

DBN: If you had to pick three words to describe Duke Johnson’s career in Miami, what words would you choose, and why?

SOTU:  Heart, Class, Disappointment. Heart because for three years the way Duke played the game was a joy to watch. From the first time he stepped on the field his freshman season at BC (and broke off two long, spectacular TD runs) to his final game at UM in the Duck Commander Bowl vs. South Carolina, he left it all on the field. Johnson plays the game with tremendous passion. His speed, cuts, and power are only matched by his never say die attitude on each and every play he participates. Class because of how he handles himself off the field. Johnson never moped about lack of team success.  He genuinely cares about people off the field (see the Carter Hucks story). And the few times I had the privilege to interview him, he was a polite and humble young man. I can see him being a big part of the community in Cleveland. Disappointment due to the fact that despite being one of the best players in the program’s recent memory, he never played for a team that achieved a signature season (or win for that matter). The Hurricanes program is a proud and storied one, and it is a shame one of its best all around players played in an era where the ‘Canes have been so mediocre.