Rookie running back Ty Johnson has been an active student of football in his first offseason with the Detroit Lions.
He'll ask questions to get the benefit of anyone's experience -- coaches, fellow running backs and even offensive linemen.
There's a lot to learn, especially in the passing game because of his limited experience, in the transition from the offenses he played in at the University of Maryland to what the Lions are installing under new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.
"All of them have given me different aspects to look at," Johnson said at the end of mandatory minicamp. "In the running back room, we chop it up. Even after the day's done, when I catch one of them walking out of the locker room at the same time, I'll ask them questions – picking their brains.
"Even talking to the offensive linemen – how the play's going to be run, the concept. You have running backs talking to linemen, linemen talking to offensive linemen, being cohesive as a unit."
One thing he doesn't have to ask about is how to run fast. Speed stands out in drills and practices without pads, and Johnson has stood out. He's as fast as was advertised when the Lions drafted him in the sixth round.
He was asked what it's like to have that speed as an asset.
"I'm not talking about just me," he said. "When anyone gets open, you've just got to use that speed. Whatever you've got in your arsenal, use it and run."
There have been differing reports on Johnson's 40-yard dash time. He was not invited to the Combine, and his Pro Day 40 was reported to range from an unofficial (and highly unlikely) 4.26 seconds to the range of 4.35-4.40.
From watching him in the offseason workouts, the eye test would rank him as fast enough – especially at 5-10 and 208 pounds.
Johnson's speed already has been on display at Ford Field. He carried 15 times for 159 yards and two touchdowns in Maryland's 36-30 loss to Boston College in the 2016 Quick Lane Bowl. He had touchdown runs of 62 and 30 yards.
He also had two catches for 15 yards.
The two catches reflect how seldom he was used as a receiver at Maryland. It's the area of his game that needs the most development. Johnson had 29 catches in 46 games, with 16 of his catches coming in 2016.
View the best photos from 2019 Detroit Lions minicamp.
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Teez Tabor (31) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia watches practice during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jahlani Tavai (51) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Michael Roberts (80) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Ty Johnson (38) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) and Detroit Lions linebacker Anthony Pittman (57) celebrate an interception during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Oday Aboushi (76) and Detroit Lions guard Joe Dahl (66) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and the offensive huddle during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) and the offensive huddle during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (42) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) and Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (42) smiles during stretching before Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jahlani Tavai (51) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Logan Thomas (82) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (12) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (12) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick (25) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Zach Zenner (34) during Day 1 of minicamp on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) laughs with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin (6) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tommylee Lewis (14) smiles during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) smiles during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Jamal Agnew (39) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) smiles during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Tre Lamar (59) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Connor Cook (18) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tackle Taylor Decker (68) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jonathan Duhart (1) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Tom Savage (3) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Tracy Walker (47) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Mark Thompson (49) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) smiles during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions cornerback Justin Coleman (27) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Chris Lacy (15) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Brandon Powell (10) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson (88) during Day 2 of minicamp on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defense during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (33) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Danny Amendola (12) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Andy Jones (17) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions safety Tavon Wilson (32) smiles during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Michael Roberts (80) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (87) and Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) smile during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. (11) makes a one-handed catch during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive back Quandre Diggs (28) returns an interception during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell talks with Detroit Lions running back C.J. Anderson (26) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jahlani Tavai (51) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions wide receiver coach Robert Prince and Detroit Lions wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (87) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions defensive tackle P.J. Johnson (92) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions tight end Jesse James (83) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Tom Savage (3) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) smiles during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Connor Cook (18) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Devon Kennard (42) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Christian Jones (52) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
Detroit Lions linebacker Malik Carney (53) during Day 3 of minicamp on Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Allen Park, Mich. (Detroit Lions via AP)
He had 13 catches in 33 games over the other three seasons.
"They told me to run the ball, so I ran the ball," he said.
And he did that well, when given the opportunity. For his career he rushed for 2,635 yards and 17 TDs, with a career average of 7.6 yards per carry.
In 2016 he had personal highs of 1,006 yards rushing, 6 TDs and 9.1 yards per carry.
Maryland's football program was marked by change during Johnson's four seasons. He played in three offenses for four head coaches.
"It helped me to be able to adapt and learn," he said. "It just helped me grow as a player."
He'll have to grow in the receiving game to catch a role with the Lions. That's not uncommon for rookie running backs. Kerryon Johnson had a similar transition last year and proved to be more than competent as a receiver.
"There are a lot of fast guys out there," head coach Matt Patricia said. "The skill set is more than just speed. You can see his quickness, his vision as a runner, as a receiver. He has the ability to get out and catch the ball really well.
"His big thing now is trying to learn the offensive system and all the different nuances we do in the NFL game as opposed to the college game."
