Gartrell Johnson was barely settling in for the long wait Sunday when the call came toward the end of the fourth round.
San Diego, whose offense has become synonymous with the name LaDanian Tomlinson, wanted the former Colorado State running back to go west.
“It’s just amazing. There’s no way I can explain it right now,” Johnson said, surrounded by the sound of friends and relatives celebrating in the background. “I’m still in shock. I wasn’t planning until going until at least the fifth.”
ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. immediately intoned, “he’s a versatile player to add to the arsenal of the San Diego Chargers”
Johnson is the Ram to go highest in the draft since former Ram safety John Howell went to Tampa Bay in the fourth round in 2001. He’s also the first CSU player draft pick since fifth-rounder Clint Oldenburg, now with the Denver Broncos, was selected in 2007.
Tomlinson, going into his ninth season, is coming off his fewest attempts (292) and yards (1,110) in a Hall of Fame career. He also has a capable veteran backup in Darren Sproles.
“I’m just going in with an open mind,” Johnson said. “LaDanian is going to be in the Hall of Fame. He’s not done playing yet.”
Johnson, officially listed at 5-10-1/4, 219 pounds, arrived as a short-yardage back at CSU and then became one of the most dominant players in the Mountain West Conference. His stock rose with a 285-yards rushing, 90 yards receiving performance against Fresno State in his career finale. It was the highest combined rushing-receiving yards in college bowl game history. He also touched the ball 554 times without a fumble between his freshman and senior seasons.
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
