Will Johnson isn't afraid of a challenge. After all he is a guy who has spent the offseason the last few years doing CrossFit, a rigorous workout program that has helped him with hip flexibility, mobility, leg strength, explosiveness and more.
"My body drastically changed when I first started," said Johnson. "I felt a difference physically and mentally. I believe in the saying, 'If it ain't broken don't fix it,' so I have stuck with it.
"It's very intense. But football is very intense so why not try to simulate that? I have the mindset after I have done CrossFit that nobody has worked harder than me. I felt like I put in the work and it's going to translate over onto the field."
He is hoping it will help him as he reports to his third training camp and continues with another challenge, adding tight end to his resume. Johnson has played fullback the first two years of his career, but during OTAs began working at the tight end position as well and is looking to hone his skills in camp.
"It's all about learning the new position and working at tight end, mastering the technique and picking up the little things, the details of that position," said Johnson. "For me the biggest thing in camp will be learning that position.
"I got a good jump on it in OTAs and learning the playbook. It will be good to get the pads on and block from that position. I haven't done much of it. We'll see how it goes, I am excited."
Johnson, who still will line up at fullback, said the blocking he would do at tight end isn't a major change from what he does at fullback, but there are some differences.
"It's more learning the routes and blocking bigger guys if it gets to that point," said Johnson. "Once you learn the playbook and feel comfortable you can play fast. That is what I want to work on in camp.
"Todd Haley does a good job of utilizing me so we will see what positions he puts me in. It's just football at the end of the day."
