Tampabay.com
APRIL 27, 2008

Gruden's got a QB

Johnson Well, Jon Gruden certainly is a happy man.

He finally got an offensive toy to play with it: University of San Diego quarterback Josh Johnson, one of the more intriguing late-round picks.

Johnson put up prolific numbers at San Diego, throwing for 43 touchdowns and one interception in 2007. Johnson also is one of the more athletic quarterbacks you'll ever see, running a 4.4-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, first among quarterbacks.

Johnson, the MVP of the East-West Shrine all-star game, led the nation in total offense in pass efficiency and points responsible for. He also was once coached by current Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh.

Bucs personnel executive Doug Williams took an interest in Johnson and has been an advocate for him throughout the pre-draft process. Jon Gruden also has expressed how impressed he was by Johnson's resume and the Bucs also conducted a private workout with Johnson last month.

And no mention of the Bucs adding a quarterback would be complete without a head count. For those keeping track, that's seven now on the roster: Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, Luke McCown, Chris Simms, Bruce Gradkowski , Jake Plummer and, now, Johnson. Needless to say, they won't all be here on opening day. The addition of Johnson just adds to the intrigue.

(AP photo. Click to enlarge.)

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