"He told me lot of things I could do to get better. We watched the whole Tennessee game together and talked about things I could work on. Coach Brooks' evaluation is more tough than the NFL evaluation. I know if impress him, I will be on the right track."
Brooks says more than anything, Johnson needs to understand the game better and have a better understanding of his responsibilities against specific formations.
"But those are things he can dramatically improve," Brooks said. "The respect he has garnered around the league speaks well about the progress he has already made."
Johnson likes being able to talk to his coach
Johnson said it was a definite advantage for him to be able to talk openly with Brooks, a former NFL head coach and defensive coordinator.
"We have a good relationship. I go to his office several times throughout the year to talk. He always talks to me. Not once did coach Brooks tell me anything for the sake of the program. He never said, 'Micah you need to come back.' He gave me his input and listened to what I had to say."
Brooks insists he's doing the same for defensive end Jeremy Jarmon and cornerback Trevard Lindley, two juniors who have also received their NFL evaluations but have not made their decisions about next year yet.
"I do not have an opinion. That is their decision," Brooks said. "I get the evaluation and then the NFL calls them. I don't want to comment on players' decisions."
Johnson didn't really offer an opinion on their status, either.
"I think it would just make us all the better (if they came back). You would have three all-SEC guys on defense. I think it could be special," Johnson said. "I have talked to them on several occasions. We are all individuals and they have to make decision best for them. They are also in the same boat about wanting to do something special around here. But I don't know what they will do."
