Bill Blankenship Weighs In On Damaris Johnson And The NFL

To fully understand the impact Damaris Johnson had on the University of Tulsa football program, all you need to do is thumb through the team's 2011 preseason media guide. The Golden Hurricane's most recognizable star takes up more real estate in that book than any other player on the roster.

Damaris' accomplishments are splashed across nearly two full pages. There are charts, statistics and awards listing all of his on-the-field achievements. By comparison, the major bullet points for senior quarterback G.J. Kinne, the team's prized NFL prospect and unquestionable team leader, only required half of a page in the same media guide.

The only other person with more space reserved for them than Johnson in the media guide is first year head coach Bill Blankenship. And, that is because Bill has extra photos.

Johnson was everything to Tulsa football. He caught the ball. He ran the ball. He returned kicks and scored in nearly every game. He holds the NCAA record for most all-purpose yards in a career – after only three years. His 7,796 yards outpaced some of the greatest names in football history. He was one of the most electrifying, spectacular, eye-popping players in the nation.

And then he got caught.

Damaris found himself involved in a felony embezzlement case with his girlfriend last summer. Shortly after finding out Johnson was linked to the case, the team suspended him indefinitely and, a few days later, he was arrested. Johnson will never wear a Tulsa football helmet again.

The decision not to allow his star back on the field ate at Blankenship all year.

"Absolutely," he said when asked if he was tempted to take Johnson back after the suspension. "We stayed in touch. We communicated several times. … It's disappointing."

1/9/2012 Related Story: Damaris Johnson Will Not Return To Tulsa Football Team

Blankenship is a coach with very high moral character. He knew the way he handled Johnson's situation would either bring a positive or negative outlook to his first year as the head of the team.

Much was expected of Johnson in 2011.

Earlier this week, the school announced that the speedy wide receiver would not be returning for a final season with the Golden Hurricane. Instead, the 5-foot-8, 170-pound record holder will give the NFL a try. His now former college coach thinks it could work out if Johnson finds a strong niche in the league.

"If he gets an opportunity, I think he'll play," said Blankenship. "It's really hard to get those opportunities when the deck is stacked against you.

"Size is an issue. There are guys that are undersized that make it. I don't think it's something he can't overcome. I think it's really hard to sit out a year and play at your best level. There will be some questions about his character."

Johnson is now in his home state of Louisiana. The draft begins on April 26th.

1/13/2012 Related Story: Bill Blankenship: One Year Later