Miami (Fla.) center Brett Romberg has never been the type of guy that holds his tongue and worries about saying what’s politically correct.
So when the senior was asked about Hurricane wide receiver Andre Johnson, Romberg said the first thing that came to his mind.
“He’s a genetic freak,” Romberg said. “His back has veins in it, for God’s sake. I have never seen anybody like him.”
But while Romberg has been known to be eccentric in his description of other players, he might not be that far off base.
Johnson, a 6-foot-3-inch, 227-pound junior from Miami, has impressed almost everyone who has seen him play. He’s also impressed a number of NFL teams, who may make him a first-round selection if he decides to bypass his final year of college eligibility.
“He’s almost like a linebacker, not a receiver,” said Ohio State safety Mike Doss. “He’s powerful and goes up for the ball. He’s very athletic.”
Johnson has overpowered almost every defensive back who has tried to contain him this season. In the Hurricanes’ 12 games, Johnson caught 48 balls for 1,038 yards, becoming just the second player in Miami history to gain more than 1,000 yards in a season.
“He can manhandle a whole line,” Romberg said. “Andre Johnson’s ability is you can’t put a lid on it.”
With Johnson as the Hurricanes’ big play receiver, it is no surprise that the Buckeyes will try to counter with game-breaking cornerback and two-way starter Chris Gamble. While Gamble started on defense only in the final half of the season, his four interceptions lead the team, and he has been able to shut down some of the Big Ten’s best receivers.
“I think he plays with tremendous confidence and tremendous deep-ball judgment,” said OSU defensive coordinator Mark Dantonio. “He’s also been a receiver, so he knows that end of the game a little bit. He’s a competitor and he plays with great poise.”
The matchup with Johnson will no doubt be Gamble’s toughest to date, but the soft-spoken sophomore is ready for the challenge.
“He’s a good receiver,” Gamble said. “I want to go out there and play every play. He’s fast and physical, and I’ve been watching film and taking notes on him. I’m ready to play against him.”
The rest of the Buckeye defensive unit knows Gamble will be in for a tough test, but all firmly believe he can step up his game.
“Chris has got a very large challenge,” said OSU linebacker Matt Wilhelm. “It’s going to be a battle of athleticism, speed and jumping ability.”
While most believe Gamble should be able to match up with Johnson early in the game, some are concerned that Gamble’s starting on a offense could tire Gamble out in the later quarters.
However, the Hurricane coaches know their counterparts will make sure to give Gamble occasional breathers to keep him fresh as the game goes on.
“They rest him on both sides of the ball,” said Miami defensive coordinator Randy Shannon. “He’s going to get his rest and get his opportunities to play on both sides.”
