Curtis Johnson Signs Free Agent Deal With Colts

While no SIAC players were drafted in the recent National Football League Entry Draft, many of the league's top players will look to latch on with teams as free agents. Clark Atlanta defensive end Curtis Johnson became one of the first, inking a three-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts.

            Before Johnson signed with the Colts, his services were sought by the New England Patriots, the Miami Dolphins, the Houston Texans, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Washington Redskins. While Johnson expected to go in the late rounds during the second day of the draft, he said signing as a free agent offered him a better peace of mind.

“The free agency route was actually a better fit for me.  A late draft selection would have meant possibly joining a team that already had roster players or higher draftees vying for the same position," Johnson said. "Through free agency, I had the option of determining which teams I would consider joining and thereby increasing my chances of success.”

Curtis Johnson was a 2007 Daktronics All-America defensive end and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year.  The Lauderhill, Florida native led Division II in tackles for loss with a 2.5 average per game and sacks with a 1.2 sacks per game average.  He was 10^th in the nation in solo tackles (6.3) and 21^st in the nation in total tackles per game (10.2).  He led the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference SIAC in both categories and finished second in total tackles with 112.  Johnson selected First Team All-SIAC for the second consecutive season and was voted SIAC Player of the Week four times.  In 2006 he was crowned NCAA Statistical Champion in Forced Fumbles with a total of nine during the season.

As a participant in the 83^rd Annual East-West Shrine Football Game this season, Johnson was the first player in the history of Clark Atlanta football to participate in this game, recognized as one of the premiere and most prestigious postseason college football events in the nation.  In addition, Johnson was named to the Black College All-America Football Team by the Sheridan Broadcasting Network and was named Atlanta University Center Player of the Year by Atlanta’s 100% Wrong Club.

 Johnson is the second CAU player under head coach Ted Bahhur to be signed by an NFL team (Jonathan Hamm signed with the New Orleans Saints last year). He reports to the Indianapolis Colts Mini Camp on Thursday, May 1 .

            “I am truly grateful for the opportunity that CAU provided me to be able to play college football.  Playing for Clark Atlanta gave me the chance to expose my talent to the NFL.  I would have never been signed by the Colts if I had not gotten to play as a Panther,” said Johnson.  

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