MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Like all good football fans, Garrett Johnson spent Christmas mornings in front of the television, watching the Blue-Gray Game. It became a holiday tradition, right there with hanging stockings and drinking eggnog.

On Friday, the Illinois defensive tackle won't be in his usual spot. He'll be too busy trying to stuff running backs from the Gray team.

Johnson represents the Illini for the Blue (North) team in Friday's game. He is the third Illinois player in four years to get a Blue-Gray invitation, following offensive lineman Ken Blackman and linebacker Dennis Stallings.

Blackman and Stallings turned the Blue-Gray trip into cash, improving their NFL draft positions with solid performances at Montgomery. Stallings was his team's defensive MVP.

The Blue-Gray Game has turned out hundreds of NFL players. Some are stars. Others fill up the final few spots on rosters. They're all getting paid to play football.

Johnson wants to give the NFL a try. The Blue-Gray week is his first chance to impress pro scouts.

The game itself isn't nearly as important as the practices. Johnson started workouts Sunday with the rest of the Blue team.

"It's a great opportunity for me," Johnson said. "I view it as a chance for me to perform for the scouts. I'm going down there with a positive attitude that I can play well."

Johnson has talked to former Illini about their all-star trips. He's heard advice from coach Ron Turner.

"They all say the same thing: 'You've got to take it seriously. This is your big chance,' " Johnson said.

During his four years with the Chicago Bears, Turner sat in draft meetings and talked about prospects. He knows what scouts look for during the all-star practices and games.

Turner recommended Johnson for the Blue-Gray Game. Turner wouldn't send a player unless he had the ability to make it in the NFL.

"I think he has a great shot," Turner said of Johnson. "That's a position it's hard to find guys. He's big and physical and really played well, especially the second half of the year."

Turner's advice for Johnson is simple: Work hard in the Blue-Gray practices.

"I think the biggest thing is do what he does every day and that's just bust his butt," Turner said. "That will get everyone's attention. That's what the guys are looking for."

Besides effort, Johnson said he needs to show an improved pass rush.

"I've got to go there and knock guys back," Johnson said.

The Blue-Gray week is only the start of Johnson's pro tryouts. He plans to return to Champaign-Urbana for the second semester and work with UI strength coach Pat Moorer.

New to the Illini staff in '96, Moorer helped Stallings get ready for his pro camp. The work paid off, Stallings making the Tennessee Oilers as a sixth-round pick.

Illinois will host two or three pro days for departing seniors. NFL scouts come to campus and check out the strength and speed of Illinois players.

Johnson is likely Illinois' best bet to go in the NFL draft. The Illini have had at least one player picked every year since 1980.

Besides preparing for the draft, Johnson will spend the second semester finishing his UI degree. He has one class left.

His Champaign house is running out of tenants. Roommates Mark Hoekstra and Ryan Murphy won't be back in the second semester, leaving the place to Johnson and Mike Gusich.