Ready in Waco
By: John Bianco, Assistant AD/Media Relations

How have the four months since the Rose Bowl win been for you?
It's been kind of crazy. It was pretty hard to come down from the big win and the great season and then once I got back to business I had to be very patient. I couldn't wait for the draft to get here, but it seemed so far away. I was working out twice a day to prepare for the combine and then going through all of the different drills for Pro Day. That was kind of nerve-wracking and stressful to go through, but you know it's something everyone is doing and you have to do it, so you handle it the best you can and move on. I think I did pretty well with everything so I think all of the hard work paid off in the end."

We always hear about the team visits the top prospects make, tell us how those went?
Some people think the team visits are like recruiting visits, but they're not. They are business meetings with the coaches, GMs and everyone with the team. You spend a lot of time in the film room and, for me, talking to the defensive coaches. They want to know what you are all about and to get a good idea of what you know about football. You spend a lot of time going through different plays and scenarios of plays. They had me watching film of games from this year and going through certain plays and scenarios. I got up on the board sometimes to draw up a situation and talk through it, just for them to pick my brain to see what I know and how I comprehend things. Because of everything I learned during my time at UT, it was a pretty easy thing. They had prepared me for all of the terminology, schemes and things that you are expected to understand at the next level. That was a huge advantage during my meetings with the NFL.

What was one aspect of the NFL Draft buildup that made you think, 'I'm glad I had a chance to experience that at UT'?
I guess the communications part of it. The coaches you meet with in the NFL like to spend a lot of time talking with you during interviews and the amount of media covering it is even more than Texas, which is a lot. The teams like to get a good idea of what your personality is all about and see how you handle the pressure of facing questions from the whole coaching staff and the GMs. Because of all of the media interviews I did and the help I got at Texas, I think I've grown into a pretty calm and collective person that can talk pretty well, so I think that helped me out a lot. Going through all of the interviews and talking to all of the different people helped get me ready to handle myself in all different types of situations.

How have you handled the emotions of all of the draft buildup?
This is a very exciting, eager time to see where I'll be playing for the next several years as I start my NFL career. I just reminded myself that it's a really fun time in my life, regardless of what happens. I can't wait to see what team I'm going to be playing for and what other rookies are going to be on the same team with me. It's a new beginning for me. Hopefully I'll be able to move on to a great organization with a great family atmosphere just like I had here at The University of Texas.

What would you have said to someone that would have come up to you that first week you played Pop Warner Football and said, 'It's all going to be worth it, one day you'll be in the NFL'?
I think by now everyone knows that my Mom used to have to make me go to Pop Warner football practice. She would tell me to stop acting like a sissy and get out there and play. Oh man, if they'd have said something about the NFL I'd have probably let it go in one ear and out there other. Coming from my Pop Warner days up until now and developing myself and establishing what's important in life and how I go about things. I know it takes a lot of hard work and nothing comes easy. Back in those Pop Warner days I didn't want the hard work and the coach yelling at me. So it was a little hard to see my future, but I kept at it, my Mom helped me keep at it, and I got older and older and still played sports and did well in my classes and it all came together.

What's the first purchase Derrick Johnson will make with his new-found millions?
It will be a car for my Mom. Whatever car she wants. Depending on where I go, I'll get back here and get here a new ride.

Have you indulged much in knowing that you're going to be a millionaire?
I bought some new ear rings, some new shoes, a couple of shirts. I haven't bought much. I don't actually have the money yet, so I don't feel like I can spend it. Even when I get it, I'm the type of person that won't go crazy with it. I'm very conservative. I'll know that if I want something I can buy it, but I'm not going to be to flashy with it.

Speaking of Flash, what's Derrick Johnson going to have on in Waco on Draft Day?
I don't know if I'm going to be to overdressed for what my Mom has planned, but right now I'm thinking of a suit. I've got this cream colored suit with baby-blue pinstripes in it and I just bought these new ear rings that will shine with the outfit. I'll have a baby-blue blue shirt under it and I have some peanut butter colored shoes. It'll be a nice look.

So even though you weren't invited to New York for the draft, you're going to look the part?
Oh definitely. It's a big day for me. It doesn't change the importance of the draft by not being there. I'm a little disappointed that I won't be in New York, but, on the other hand, I can't think of a better place to spend such a big day for me as the house where it all started in Waco with my family and friends.

What do you think the emotions are going to be like when you get that call and see your name on the television screen?
That's going to a really exciting time. Very refreshing that this new beginning is here and I'm going to work hard to stay in it for the long run.

You've heard a lot of different things leading up to the draft, do you feel like you have to prove to people that you can take on blockers and make big hits?
Every time I get on the field I think like that because I'm really competitive. Whether they are saying good or bad things, I'm going to be that guy who plays hard, knocks you down and will help you up. That isn't going to change me. Actually, when people aren't saying things about you, that's when I'd be worried. Some of the teams at the combine said I looked like I was pretty mean on the field but that I was really laid back off of it. I joked with them and said just like Superman, when he's at work he has the cape on, and when he's not, he's just a regular guy. That's how I am.
They seemed like they got a kick out of that.

What are you expecting to be served at the Johnson house on Saturday?
I'm expecting a lot of barbeque. I'm thinking chicken, links, a couple of steaks, brisket and some hot dogs on the grill for all the kids. Some ranch style beans, bread and you've gotta have some potato salad. A big 'ol family cookout. It'll be a lot of fun.

Your Mom raised a big family, will there ever be a louder time in the house than this weekend?
I don't think so. It's going to be really exciting when they call my name and everyone in my house is going to rejoice. I'll be happy and they'll all be happy for me.

Can the house take it?
I think it can. I've been living in the house, grew up in the house, so hopefully it can take a lot of noise because there will be a lot of that on Saturday.

Any final pre-draft words for the Longhorn faithful?
I want to tell all of the Longhorns that I appreciate all of the support you've given me through my four years. I really appreciate everything. You've made my career here at Texas a time that I will always cherish. I hope you'll always keep up with me no matter what team I go to. I'll be representing the Longhorns for life.