Sooners' Johnson positions self as high draft pick

None of the other Sooners are getting as much pre-draft praise as Johnson.

"A few years ago, he might have never played a snap here, and for him to be in the position he is just is a good story for everybody else out there to hear how hard he's worked and what he's about to come into," Stills said.

Stills, who was one of the fastest receivers in the 40 at 4.37 seconds, said he sent a text message to Johnson to congratulate him after hearing about his impressive combine performance. After seeing Johnson close-up, Stills said he's not surprised at what has happened.

"With Lane, you see how many positions he's changed and how his body has changed. To me, he's not obviously in the same category as LeBron (James), but his body type is one of those guys that can just do it all," Stills said. "You can take him out to the basketball court, you can ask him to gain 60 pounds. Whatever, he's going to do it.

"Lane's just done everything he's been asked, and we've known what he's capable of. His athleticism is pretty much out of this world for a big guy."

Part of Johnson's package is that he's relatively new to his position, and there could be more room for growth. He started the last 12 games of the 2011 season at right tackle, then spent most of this season starting at left tackle. Johnson said he was hearing during the season that he could possibly have first-round potential, but he was still considered raw.

"I think when you have athletic ability, it helps out a bunch and technique will come with coaching," he said. "There's only so much you can do athletically but coaching, there's always things you can improve on. That's my main focus right now."

Leading up to the draft, Johnson said he wants to improve his lower body strength and get better at getting his hands on defenders before they can do it to him. He's still waiting to find out if he'll be invited to New York for the opening night of the draft on April 25. If not, he'll either put together a party around Norman or at home in Texas.

"The hay's in the barn," Johnson said, "so now you just kind of sit back and see what happens."