NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Richard Johnson, DL, Howard University

What is your name?

Richard Kevin Lamar Johnson

What is your Height/Weight?

6’4 275lbs

What is your position?

Defensive Line

Where do you play college football?

Howard University

Where are you from?

Cleveland, Ohio

Who is your role model, and why?

My mother Darlene. She is not only my biggest supporter but she is also my biggest critic too. She has all the characteristics a child could ask for in a parent. I also admire her hard work and dedication to everything she does.

Who was your favorite teacher?

My Highschool English teacher Sarah Dalrymple

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Yes. I participated in Track & Field, Basketball, Baseball, and Bowling

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Brandon Parker (OT, NC A&T)

Who is the most underrated player on your team?

Cody Williams

What is the one song that would fire you up before the biggest game of your life?

Mary J. Blige ft. Kendrick Lamar- Now or Never

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

I would have to compare my play to a Julius Peppers. He uses his power and length as an advantage to set the edges on run plays and uses it to his advantage for passing downs also. He can not only just play defensive linemen, but he can also play a little bit of linebacker and be successful playing that as well.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

The three most important men in my life passed away in 2013 from January through October. My Great grandfather passed away and his funeral was held on my birthday. Fast forward to July, my mother’s father passed away while I was in school training for football and taking summer classes. Then during my first semester of my freshman year, my father passed away in October. I had help from my mother and my grandmother (mother’s mother) to help me overcome these unfortunate times. They continued to be my biggest supporters throughout my freshman year. Then during my Junior year, my grandmother (mother’s mother) passed away. Yet still, I had my mom still there pushing me through to continue my education and finish school. The sudden death’s of these three important men in my life and my grandmother motivated me to continue to finish school and I ended up graduating with my bachelors in 4 years. Through the support and through my daily prayers, I managed to get through those obstacles of getting through college and I also remind myself that all four of them would have wanted me to continue with my education and finish school.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I would always dedicate a game to one of my loved ones, whether they are dead or alive, and I would write their name on my wrist tape or spat and have one of my favorite bible verses on the other side.

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

I Blocked a Field Goal attempt against Kent State this past season.

What is the coolest thing you ever did off the field for someone else?

Every time I go back to my hometown, I do community service with my Organization (Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated.). I am mentoring for Football Head Training camp in Cleveland Ohio where I help mentor young men who aspire to play college football from the ages 6-18 and also help develop their skills needed to play football.

Who was your favorite NFL team growing up?

Baltimore Ravens

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

My Father, My Grandmother, and My Great Grandfather