Keyshawn Eyes Jets, Will They Pick Him?

In the afterglow of his record-breaking performance in the Rose Bowl, Keyshawn Johnson was pelted with questions about his football future. Friends, relatives, reporters, well-wishers, they all wanted to hear his thoughts on the NFL draft in April.

“I told them, ‘J-E-T-S--Jets,’ ” USC’s star wide receiver said last week in a phone interview with Newsday.

The Jets are on the clock for the next 4 1/2 months. They own the No. 1 pick in the draft, and they need a big-play receiver in the worst way. Johnson wants to be that guy.

“I would love to play for the New York Jets,” said Johnson, a first-team All-America. “It’s not because they have the No. 1 pick, although that would be important financially, but because I’d love to bring them back to where they belong. Just like I did at USC. I helped them back to national prominence.”

In the process, Johnson--a 6-foot-4, 210-pound playmaker--did wonders for his pro stock. In NFL circles, he’s regarded as one of the top seniors in the country. Johnson’s 12-catch, 216-yard performance Monday against Northwestern bolstered his case for being worthy of the top pick. Only one wide receiver, Irving Fryar (Patriots, 1984), has been selected with the first overall pick.

“If I didn’t separate myself as being the No. 1 receiver in the draft, or being the Jets’ choice for No. 1, then I don’t know who they’d go after,” said Johnson, never shy about expressing his opinion. “I think my performances have been pretty consistent over the last two years. If they want consistency, I’m the right guy. I’m willing to do anything to help the organization.”

Jets personnel director Dick Haley has said up to six players will be under consideration for the No. 1 pick. He didn’t mention names, but the players are believed to be Johnson, UCLA tackle Jonathan Ogden, Ohio State running back Eddie George, Illinois linebacker Kevin Hardy and Illinois pass rusher Simeon Rice. Two juniors--Ohio State wide receiver Terry Glenn and Texas A&M; running back Leeland McElroy--could enter the mix if they apply for the draft. McElroy has said he intends to turn pro.

Haley called Johnson a “real good prospect. He’s big, strong and a good catcher. And he sounds like he likes to play football. He’s the kind of receiver that’s having a lot of success in the league now, a bigger guy.”

Johnson believes he’s better than the ultra-fast Glenn (5-11, 185), who won the Biletnikoff Award as the top receiver in the country. “I didn’t win the prestige award,” Johnson said, “but if Terry Glenn is the best in the nation, he didn’t prove it (Monday).”

Glenn didn’t play poorly in Ohio State’s 20-14 loss to Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl--he caught seven passes for 95 yards on a soggy field--but his performance was overshadowed by Johnson’s domination in USC’s 41-32 win. “I was in a rhythm,” said Johnson, noting he didn’t drop a pass and that all of his receptions went for first downs. “Once you get into that zone, nothing can stop you. It’s fun when you single-handedly tear defenses apart.”

Draft experts have said Johnson is a cross between Jerry Rice and Michael Irvin, a comparison he doesn’t dispute. “If that’s what they’re saying, hey, I’ll run with it,” Johnson said.

Johnson said he isn’t planning to play in any all-star games. He probably will perform for NFL scouts at a private workout in the spring.

The charismatic Johnson said he hasn’t had any recent contact with the Jets’ organization, although he has met Haley, assistant general manager James Harris and scout Sid Hall. Johnson said he consulted with Harris last year when he was giving thought to leaving school a year early. Harris talked him into staying in school, and Johnson is grateful for that.

Johnson said he’s looking forward to coming to New York next month to attend the ESPY Awards. He’d also like to catch a Knicks game while in town.

“Maybe they could introduce me to the crowd,” Johnson said. “That way, the fans can get used to seeing me around.”