Johnson happy to be back in NFL

The former YSU All-American was re-signed on Oct. 1 by the Raiders.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
CLEVELAND -- Tim Johnson knows what it's like to be a team leader. Now he's learning what it's like to be a survivor.
Two years after an All-American season at Youngstown State, Johnson has found a niche with the Oakland Raiders on special teams.
So far, he's not complaining.
"Not at all," Johnson said. "I've always been a team player. Whatever the coaches ask me to do, whether it's defense or special teams, I'll do it. I'm always ready for an opportunity."
Johnson, was one of the last cuts by the Raiders before the season, was re-signed Oct. 1. He recorded one solo tackle and assisted on another in Sunday's loss to the Browns. He played his first game of the season in last week's loss to the Bears, recording a team-high three tackles on special teams.
"We're just trying to get a win," Johnson said.
Holding on
Johnson, a 6-foot, 245-pound outside linebacker, started training camp with the Raiders after playing much of last season, but didn't make the final cut.
He worked out for several teams over the next four weeks, but stayed in touch with Oakland.
The Raiders have had injury problems this season -- veteran linebacker Bill Romanowski may have to retire because of head injuries -- and eventually offered Johnson another chance.
He was more than happy to take it.
"It's a little more fun to play pro," Johnson said. "The competition is greater and you have to show up to play every week. There are no week teams up here."
Coming back
Johnson -- a 25-year-old native of Fairfield, Ala. -- hasn't been back to the northeast Ohio area since he left Youngstown State. He spent his first night back in front of the television watching Ohio State's loss to Wisconsin.
What does he think of his former coach?
"He's done a great job rebuilding that team in two years," Johnson said. "It's the same coaching style. They may have lost to Wisconsin, but they'll still make it to a bowl game."
Johnson said he enjoyed his time at Youngstown State, citing the 1999 come-from-behind win over the Florida A & amp;M and the win over Hofstra in 2000 as his favorite memories.
"It was a great place to play," he said. "I really enjoyed it."
And Johnson isn't the only Raider with a Youngstown connection.
Defensive backs coach Ron Lynn is a graduate of Struthers High and Mount Union College. Lynn, who was not available to the media, began his coaching career at the University of Toledo and also coached at Kent State.
scalzo@vindy.com