Aldarius Johnson of old returns?

Aldarius Johnson of old returns? - by: Shandel Richardson, Sun-Sentinel

CORAL GABLES _ As UM offensive coordinator Mark Whipple was exiting the practice fields Saturday, he had to do a double take.

Whipple was stunned to see junior receiver Aldarius Johnson conducting an interview with a group of reporters. Johnson has never been one who enjoys the media attention, but everyone wants to know how he plans on bouncing back from last year’s disappointing season.

His sophomore year was marred by a nagging hamstring injury. He went from leading the team in receiving as a freshman to an afterthought. Now healthy, teammates are seeing the “old Aldarius.”

“He’s not banged up or anything,” senior Leonard Hankersonsaid. “He’s working hard and making plays in practice. He’s the old Aldarius right now because he’s hungry for it. He wants to make plays and get back on the field.”

Johnson, who caught jut 16 passes last year, said he has no concerns of falling behind at the Hurricanes’ deepest position.

“Last year was last year,” Johnson said. “I’m just trying to focus on getting right for this season and helping my team. That’s it.”

Johnson is five pounds lighter at 208. He says he feels better at that weight, and teammates have noticed a new attitude. Hankerson said Johnson was obviously affected by being so limited last year. Hankerson should know because he missed playing time in 2008 after suffering an ankle injury.

“It affected him a whole lot, being nicked up the whole season,” Hankerson said. ”I know he was frustrated a whole lot by not playing. I know he wanted to make more plays and help us out.”

Now, Johnson is back to normal. He’s among the trash-talk leaders in practice, showing the confidence that made him an impact freshman.

“He’s pumped up every day,” Hankerson said. “He saying stuff, talking trash to the defensive backs and getting things going.”

A few thoughts:

–Left tackle Orlando Franklin said practices are easier now that the offensive line has depth. After being so limited in numbers the past two seasons, the Hurricanes are overloaded at the position. It means less reps.

“You have a full two groups going in the spring and you’ve got a whole group coming in the summertime,” Franklin said. “It’s going to be fun.”

Franklin said there’s even a possibility of extending the rotation. Last year they only used six, and sometimes five, linemen during games. It really depends on the development of guys like Shane McDermott, Cory White, Jared Wheeler and Malcolm Bunche.

“If they come in and learn their stuff, why not,” Franklin said. “I’m all for it. `Ten guys, and being fresh all the time. You’re going to be fresh all the time if you’re going against defensive linemen that are tired. That’s better for us. But at the same time, it’s a very hard position to come in and learn. Thank God, these freshmen are here early.”

-Franklin says the move from guard to left tackle makes him “feel like a freshman all over again,” but he’s been waiting for the opportunity since his UM arrival.

-Here’s a look at who’s playing where on the offensive line:

LT: Franklin, White, Stephen Plein

LG: Joel Figueroa (injured), Harland Gunn, Jared Wheeler

C: Tyler Horn, McDermott (and some Brandon Washington)

RG: Washington, Malcolm Bunche

RT: Jermaine Johnson, Ben Jones.

-UM coach Randy Shannon said Jake Wieclaw is handling the kicking duties, but is unsure if Matt Bosher will do all three once he returns from injury in the fall. A decision won’t be made until the fall.

-Redshirt freshman safety Jamal Reid will most likely not play for the baseball team this spring because of a minor offseason knee scope. Reid said he’s been working second-team at free safety.

-In an unrelated football note, fullback Pat Hill’s son, Pat Jr., is the reason for the SpongeBob SquarePants craze last season. Pat Jr., is often around the team in the locker room and meetings. One day, Hill put the cartoon on the television for his son and the players took to it.