Damaris

Johnson

The NCAA’s all-time leader in all-purpose and kick-return yardage, Johnson also impressed onlookers with his receiving skills in offseason practices. Similar to DeSean Jackson in size (5'8/175) and return prowess, Johnson will likely displace the incumbent on punt returns while also handling kickoffs.

Impressive undrafted rookie CB Cliff Harris is also in the mix for both jobs. Although Boykin is essentially assured of a roster spot as a fourth-rounder, April can “definitely” envision coach Andy Reid keeping Johnson or Harris purely for return purposes. We suspect WR Chad Hall’s roster spot is in jeopardy.

If Johnson’s first game was any indication, he’s going to be a factor on this year’s Eagles squad. He hauled in four passes for 85 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown from fellow rookie Nick Foles. Johnson’s biggest impact will come in the return game.

Johnson is the NCAA’s all-time leader in all-purpose yards and kick-return yardage despite missing his senior season after getting kicked off the team. Teammates compare him to DeSean Jackson for his size (5'8/175) and return prowess. Johnson has also made sharp cuts, run tight routes, and shown “top notch” speed. If he can impress as a kick returner this summer, he’ll take the final receiver spot.

April refreshingly concedes his kickoff- and punt-return units were “terrible” last season. Boykin, Georgia’s all-time leader in kickoff-return yards (2,663) and TDs (4), is considered the early favorite as return specialist. Undrafted rookie WR Damaris Johnson, the NCAA’s all-time leader in all-purpose yards (7,796) and kickoff-return yards (3,417), is also making a strong run.

The NCAA’s all-time leader in all-purpose and kick-return yardage is vying to make the team as a return specialist. Caplan does allow, however, that Johnson’s “long speed” hasn’t stood out. Nevertheless, the 5-foot-8, 170-pound receiver appears to have an inside track on a roster spot.

“DeSean will return some,” said April, “but we want to use him offensively as a weapon. There’s some wear and tear on a guy his size ... We’ve got a lot invested in keeping his legs replenished.” Rookies Brandon Boykin, Damaris Johnson and Cliff Harris are the top candidates to take over for Jackson. April is especially high on undrafted former Oregon star Harris, whom he considers a “phenomenal punt returner ... very much like DeSean.”

Johnson drew consistently steady praise throughout the offseason and beginning of camp, and stood out in Thursday’s preseason opener, corralling four passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. At the very least, Johnson should be a factor on returns. His emergence is bad news for Chad Hall.

Philly faces Cleveland in Week 1, so coach Andy Reid pulled his starters early in what is customarily the regular-season dress rehearsal. Johnson did see plenty of action with the first team, however, playing in three-wide sets. NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal pointed out that Johnson is having a “Victor Cruz-like preseason” with seven receptions for 166 yards a penchant for big plays. Expect him to fall into the fourth or fifth receiver role while handling punt returns this season.

Maclin is not expected to practice Wednesday, but Andy Reid is holding out hope. “I stood here last week and told you it was going to be a struggle, and then he came around,” Reid said Monday. “So I’d just tell you it’s day to day.” If Maclin can’t go, rookie Damaris Johnson will draw the start opposite DeSean Jackson.