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Published Dec 28, 2016
FSU OL Roderick Johnson to decide future after Orange Bowl
Ryan S. Clark  •  TheOsceola
Lead Beat Writer
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@ryan_s_clark
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FORT LAUDERDALE -- Junior left tackle Roderick Johnson said Wednesday he'll have a stronger grasp of his future plans after Florida State plays Michigan in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Friday.

Johnson said he has yet to sit down and make a decision about whether to stay for one more season or declare for the NFL Draft. Johnson spoke during FSU's pre-bowl press conference for offensive players.

"Everybody asks me," Johnson said. "Not only [the media] but the players around here. Family members. Everybody asks me that question."

Up until Wednesday, Johnson had been reluctant to even address the situation publicly. To any reporter who's asked, Johnson's typical reply has been to say he's more concerned about Michigan than figuring out his future plans.

But during an extended chat Wednesday, he acknowledged that he has a decision to make.

"I can't really focus on Michigan and the NFL. I'm not good at multi-tasking," Johnson said with a laugh. "I've gotta focus on one. But as soon as the game is over, I'll start thinking more critically about the decision."

Rated by Rivals as a four-star prospect, the Missouri native committed to the Seminoles in December 2013.

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In that time, he's become a three-year starter and a two-time ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner. The annual award is given to the player deemed as the conference's best blocker, according to coaches.

The 6-foot-7 and 311-pound Johnson made his first career start at Miami when he was a freshman in 2014. His 30 consecutive starts have made Johnson the team's most consistent offensive lineman.

"Time does fly but then again, we've played so many games," Johnson said. "That first game is always going to be a memory in my bank. From experience, to be at Miami as a freshman playing against those great guys, it was a real fun experience."

Sports Illustrated recently released its Top 10 rankings for prospects at each position leading up to the NFL Draft. The publication lists Johnson as the No. 5 offensive tackle in the draft.

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