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Alex Khvatov:
What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Domonique Johnson:
6’2”, 193 pounds and I ran a 4.38 at my Pro Day. My best
time in the forty is 4.32.
Alex Khvatov:
Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in
you?
Domonique Johnson:
Missouri, Rice, Colorado State and Hawaii.
Alex Khvatov:
What made you choose Missouri?
Domonique Johnson:
I wanted to come home and play against those teams in the
Big 12 Conference. I didn’t even play high school football
my senior year. I transferred to another high school, but I
wasn’t allowed to play. So I didn’t get that much
exposure.
Alex Khvatov:
What did it feel like to play in the Big 12 Conference?
Domonique Johnson:
It was cool. It was surprising to play against big time
teams like Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska.
Alex Khvatov:
Do you have fond memories of your time at Missouri?
Domonique Johnson:
I've got a lot of memories. I had two teammates that died
while I was at Missouri, Aaron O’Neill and Damian Nash. I
got engaged there. My friends are still there. We played
Steve Spurrier in a Bowl Game and we came back and won.
Alex Khvatov:
Why did decide to leave the Tigers?
Domonique Johnson:
I felt that I needed to make a change in my life. I got
hurt during my sophomore season. Then my head coach
questioned my dedication to the team when I joined the
fraternity. I felt that it was best for me to transfer.
Alex Khvatov:
Do you have any regrets about leaving Missouri especially
after they had so much success as a team last year?
Domonique Johnson:
I watched every one of their games. I watched their BCS
Bowl Game. I am in a better situation now. Jackson State
also achieved a lot by winning the conference last
year.
Alex Khvatov:
How did you wind up at Jackson State?
Domonique Johnson:
Basically I looked at my options. I didn’t want to go to a
D-I program. I decided to go to the SWAC Conference.
Jackson State contacted me and showed interest in me.
Alex Khvatov:
Describe your first season in the SWAC Conference where you
established yourself as a dominant force last season.
Domonique Johnson:
It was basically a surprise for me. I came from a D-I
program where a lot of things were given to you. I had to
work hard at Jackson State. I am seeing some of the better
athletes here from a talent wise standpoint. The level of
play is not that different. The main difference in level of
play exists on the OL and DL. It reminds me of home. I am
comfortable with the surroundings here.
Alex Khvatov:
What are your strengths on the football field?
Domonique
Johnson:
My height, speed and my experience at the D-I level which
definitely helps.
Alex Khvatov:
What areas of your game do you need to improve upon during
your senior season?
Domonique
Johnson:
I need to improve my physicality in all aspects.
Alex Khvatov:
What is the most memorable moment of your football career up
to this point?
Domonique
Johnson:
Winning the Conference Championship last year.
Alex Khvatov:
What is your favorite NFL team?
Domonique
Johnson:
The Cowboys. It is the first team that I watched with all
of their stars like Jay Novacek, Michael Irvin and Alvin
Harper.
Alex Khvatov:
Who is your favorite player?
Domonique
Johnson:
My favorite player is Michael Irvin. I liked his style.
Alex Khvatov:
Who is the toughest player that you have faced during your
career?
Domonique
Johnson:
Sidney Rice. His height, speed and the fact that he could
catch the ball with one hand made it difficult to defend
him.
Alex Khvatov:
Which underclassman on your team should we keep an eye on in
the future?
Domonique
Johnson:
Malcolm Palmer. He is our free safety. He is a playmaker.
He makes plays.
Alex Khvatov:
What are your expectations from a
personal and a team standpoint for your senior year?
Domonique
Johnson:
At the end of the season, my personal goal is to be an
All-American. I want to get drafted. I want to go in the
first round of the draft. I want to go to the Senior Bowl.
We want to win a National Championship. We want to win the
SWAC Conference which is the main goal.
Alex Khvatov:
Are you honored that you were named to
the Preseason All-American Team in 2008?
Domonique
Johnson:
Yeah, it is an honor. But if we don’t win and if I don’t
play like an All-American, it don’t mean anything.
Alex Khvatov:
You have drawn comparisons to another small school
cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie who made a lot of
noise last year prior to the draft, what do you think about
that?
Domonique
Johnson:
It’s good. I hope that I get drafted like him. That’s good
to me. It don’t mean anything. I still have to perform
that way.
Alex Khvatov:
Is it every cornerback’s dream to be left on an island
against a wide receiver?
Domonique
Johnson:
Yeah, it means that the coordinator has faith in you. I
realize that corners will get beat. Deion is considered one
of the greatest and he got beat. You just don’t want to
give up the big play.
Alex Khvatov:
Do you have to have thick skin to play cornerback on any
level?
Domonique
Johnson:
It depends. You will hear some words. You have to deal
with it. You can’t let it get to you. If you get beat, you
have to move onto the next play. You block out the play.
Alex Khvatov:
What do you enjoy most about playing football?
Domonique
Johnson:
Everything. I enjoy the challenge that I face on every
play.
Alex Khvatov:
Is the NFL a dream or a reality at this point?
Domonique
Johnson:
It is still a dream. If I get drafted then it will become a
reality once I get that chance.
Alex Khvatov:
What are your hobbies?
Domonique
Johnson:
I like to play with my nieces and nephews. I also like to
play video games.
Alex Khvatov:
Finish the sentence, Domonique Johnson is…
Domonique
Johnson:
On the field, I am quiet and intense at the same time. I
keep to myself. But my play speaks for itself.
Off-the-field, I am laid back and I like to have fun.
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