Why Tyrell Johnson Will Be the Future of the Minnesota Vikings' Secondary

It isn't often that I give props to a player that really hasn't proven himself. Today, I'm going to tell you all about a little-known played named Tyrell Johnson.

He was born Marcellous "Tyrell" Johnson in a small town called Rison, AR. He was born on May 19, 1985. Yes, his birthday is in a week. Happy early birthday to you!

Johnson played high school football at Rison High School, playing at both running back and defensive back. Although, Tyrell Johnson succeeded more at being a defensive back.

As a senior in 2002 he earned All-State and All-Conference honors despite playing with a very painful high ankle sprain. Tyrell also helped his team go un-defeated in his senior season.

He finished his career with three picks, 2,725 rushing yards, and 49 total touchdowns. Johnson also succeeded in track and even started on his school's basketball team back in 2000.

Tyrell wanted to stay in his home state of Arkansas, therefore he decided to go to Arkansas State for his football career. Tyrell started for the first time in 2004. He never lost his starting job one single time.

During his sophomore year he led the team with 112 tackles and earned All-Sun Belt Conference first-team recognition. His best season came in 2007, as he earned third-team All-American, first-team All-Sun Belt Conference and was the leagues defensive player of the year. Tyrell recorded 94 tackles along with 6 interceptions.

Johnson finished his college career playing in 46 games, starting all of them, recording 363 tackles, 13 interceptions, and four forced fumbles. He also had 25 tackles in one single game!

Going into the draft in April of 2008, Tyrell was one of the better safety prospects that were available. Some mock drafters even had him going in the late first round.

With Johnson available in the second round, Minnesota had to get him. The Vikings traded their fourth-round-pick to the Eagles to move up from pick 47 to pick 43. Many wondered why the Vikings made this move since it was only four spots up.

The Vikings shocked a lot of people when they drafted Tyrell, but for most, it was a smart move. Minnesota had brought in Madieu Williams, but they weren't sure how much longer Darren Sharper was going to be on the team. He was set to be a free-agent the next season.

In his rookie season, Tyrell started in seven games, but played in all 16. He recorded 31 tackles, one interception, and two passes deflected.

His numbers weren't astonishing, but they showed what kind of player that he has the potential to be.

With Darren Sharper now gone from the Vikings, Johnson has the perfect chance to display his skills. He will likely be the starter at strong safety in 2009.

I love how this guy plays. He's a very tough and aggressive player who just wants to win ball games. He may be under-sized at 6'0", 207 pounds, but this will not factor how he plays in any way.

The Vikings are known for having a poor secondary, but I see that unfortunate trend coming to a stop this season. Minnesota has a lot of young talent that they are looking to show off in the second in 2009.

He's about to turn only 24 years old. Obviously, Tyrell's best years are to come. He will continue to learn how to play in the Vikings system, and will have it down easy when the season rolls around in early September.

I feel that he will have no trouble filling in for Darren Sharper. He's got potential that is sky-rocketing through the roof right now. Minnesota can not give up on this kid if he isn't terrific at first.

Give him time to show what he has and then evaluate him. But everybody needs to watch for Tyrell Johnson next year. You just might be looking at the future star on the defense.