Monday, April 19, 1999
Miami's Johnson, Armour drafted
BY CAREY HOFFMAN
Enquirer contributor
Two Miami University defensive stars were chosen in the NFL Draft Sunday: safety Paris Johnson in the fifth round by the Arizona Cardinals and linebacker JoJuan Armour in the seventh by the Oakland Raiders.
Johnson felt fortunate to be drafted after missing six of his team's final seven games with a sprained knee.
“I was just hoping that if I played the entire season, I would get the opportunity to show every ballclub what I could do,” Johnson said. “I feel blessed that Arizona saw enough talent in me in the games I played in.”
At 6-2, 209 pounds, Johnson is the biggest of five safeties on Arizona's roster.
Johnson will try to establish his niche as a big hitter and special teams force.
“I just want to come in and try to fit in with the team and be a part of that defense they are trying to establish down there.”
Sunday was a day of frustration for Armour.
“I really feel like I have something to prove now,” said Armour, a 5-111/2, 229-pound linebacker. “I take things personal and a lot of teams didn't have the confidence in me I thought they did. So this is like starting all over.”
FROM XU TO BENGALS
Brien Hanley, a former Xavier basketball player, signed with the Bengals as a free agent after playing football at Kansas State. Hanley, an offensive guard, left XU without playing a game before the 1994-95 season.
Sports Stories
PIRATES 4, REDS 2
Box, runs
REDS NOTEBOOK
Wohlers impresses Reds brass, himself
Draft leaves questions unanswered
Smith shows 'special qualities'
Bengals add speed in Yeast
BENGALS PICKS
Draft picks by team
UC's Plummer to Denver in 6th
