I was just able to connect with Travis Johnson, DT of Florida State. For your viewing pleasure, his interview is posted below.
*Adam Davis-Hey Travis thanks for calling me back. I know youre busy.
*Travis Johnson-Oh its no problem. I was just driving.
*AD : Great, well can we get your accurate height, weight, 40 time, and bench?
*TJ :Sure. I was 63 7/8, 305, I ran forty times of 4.78 and 4.87, and I benched 225 23 times.
*AD : How has the offseason been, what you been up to?
*TJ :Just working out. Working out a ton.
*AD : What was your favorite memory from this year?
*TJ :Hmm, lemme think. Probably the Syracuse game where Sam picked off the ball for us to win the game. That was exciting.
*AD : Youre from California originally, how did you end up at Florida State?
*TJ :I wanted to be the best. I felt FSU gave me the best chance to do what I wanted to do. They have a great history of making players great.
*AD : You have played in some big games in your career, which ones stand out?
*TJ :I mean, definitly the National Championship year. That was a huge game. I think for me personally it was in 2000 against Florida at thier field where I had 3 sacks and 5 tackles for loss. Grossman was the QB then, I got to him 3 times.
*AD : How do you feel about this year's tackle draft?
*TJ :I feel good about it. Im glad that Im fortunate enough to be at the top of it. I really think there are some solid players.
*AD : What do you think of Luis Castillo using steroids?
*TJ :Man, if thats what he felt he had to do. I guess he felt like he needed an advantage. I feel that if its not genetic, you shouldnt do it.
*AD : Good point. Speaking of genetics, what do you think is your biggest strength as a tackle?
*TJ :Nastiness. You have to be nasty to play defensive tackle.
*AD : What about weakness?
*TJ :I mean I could polish up everything. I would like to stay lower sometimes. I could work on bending my knees more. Just fundamental stuff I could always get better at.
*AD : What do you expect from the NFL?
*TJ :Results. Im going to go in and work hard and try to be the best. Thats all you can expect really. I know that Ill get the results if I just go in there and play my best.
*AD : Hows the shoulder feeling, I know its been a while.
*TJ :Shoulder is all good.
*AD : What did you learn from Darnell Dockett?
*TJ :I think we really learned from each other. We didnt have older people to help us out, so we just came in and learned from each other.
*AD : How did you run that 4.9 forty time?
*TJ :Haha, Ive just always been quick. I ran a 4.52 coming out of high school weighing 265 pounds. I ran track in high school too for fun, I did the 100 meter dash in 10.8.
*AD : Do you think its going to be harder to stop the run or the pass in the NFL?
*TJ :Depends on what you work at. Each week Im going to be going up against different teams so each look will be diffrent.
*AD : do you think any systems fit your style, especially with alot of teams moving to 34?
*TJ :I feel I can play all 3 positions in a 34. I think I can be a 3 technique guy or a tackle in a 43.
*AD : You are the top tackle on most boards. What does that say about your play?
*TJ :That I play with no seatbelt. I play sideline to sideline. Its an honor.
*AD : What do you say to people who say you talk too much?
*TJ :Well I think there is a difference between cockiness and confidence. I feel like when I play I back it up. Im confident to where I know I can do the job. When you lead the nation in tackles for loss, you back up what you say. Im absolutely a team player, I was a defensive captain, I always produced, and I was never a problem child. So I just take that with a grain of salt.
*AD : What have you heard in terms of your status, where do you think you will fit?
*TJ : Top 15. We are just weighing our options at the moment. All the teams have been great so far.
*AD : Finally, what are your plans for draft day?
*TJ :Im back home in California now. Im home with my family and Im just going to enjoy the draft with them.
*AD : Well Travis I know youre busy, so I appreciate you taking time to inteview with Consensus Draft. Good luck on Saturday.
*TJ :Thanks Adam. Yeah, Im excited!