Calvin Johnson is going pro.

The Sandy Creek graduate declared his intention to enter the NFL draft at a press conference on Monday, leaving Georgia Tech as a junior. Many experts predict Johnson will be picked among the top five players in this year’s draft.

Johnson, a two-time All-American wide receiver for the Yellow Jackets, is the team’s career leader in receiving yards (2,927) and touchdown receptions (28). He is second in career receptions with 178.

This season, he was a unanimous first-team all-America selection and the winner of the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver. He was also named Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year while earning first-team all-ACC honors for the third straight year.
Johnson was second in the nation with 15 touchdown catches while leading the ACC in receptions (76, 5.4 pg) and receiving yards (1,202, 85.9 pg). He set Tech season records for receiving yardage and touchdowns.

Johnson capped his remarkable three-year career with perhaps his best game against 12th-ranked West Virginia in the Toyota Gator Bowl with nine catches for a career-best 186 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

In a press conference on Monday, Johnson spoke about playing in the NFL.

“It’s been a dream of mine. That’s the one thing that sticks out to me,” Johnson said. “It’s been the one place I’ve wanted to be since I started playing football.”

Johnson, son of Calvin Sr. and Arica Johnson, stated that he plans on eventually finishing school, estimating he has a year and a half left. His parents expressed their support as well.

“It’s just one of those situations where you have to maximize the moment. It’s an opportunity that doesn’t come along very often and he made the right decision for himself,” said Calvin Sr. “He has committed back to education and he will finish his degree. I’m happy with his decision, as long as he keeps his focus,” said Arica.
Johnson’s coach Chan Gailey also expressed his support and sees big things for his receiver in the future.

“The sky is the limit. He has all the tangible factors, to be a great, great player, and he has the intangible factors to be a great, great player,” said Gailey.

The 2007 NFL draft will be Apr. 28 and 29.