Johnson borrows shoes, impresses scouts

Originally Published: February 26, 2007

Calvin Johnson made a strong statement at the combine by running a fast 40-yard dash in borrowed shoes, writes Todd McShay.

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By Todd McShay
ESPN.com
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INDIANAPOLIS -- As a top-five overall prospect in this year's class, Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson had little to prove at the combine and was instructed by his support system not to run. When he got to the RCA Dome Sunday morning, though, Johnson's competitiveness got the best of him. Only one problem; Johnson didn't pack his track shoes.

Instead of scrapping the whimsical idea, Johnson simply borrowed a pair of shoes from East Carolina QB James Pickney. At 6-foot-5, 239 pounds and in foreign footwear, Johnson ran the third-best time of all the wide receivers with a 4.35. Having made his statement to scouts and coaches from all 32 teams, Johnson elected to throw on his sweatshirt and call it a day after all the 40s in his group were run.

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