Michael Johnson is back at Georgia Tech after speculation in the offseason that he might enter the NFL draft, and the senior defensive end is looking forward to being healthy and starting after playing as a reserve.

He is, in fact, already thicker. Up 15 pounds to 260, the 6-foot-7 Johnson — who had two surgeries to repair a sports hernia that plagued his sophomore and juniors seasons and also caused hip problems — sat for a conversation with staff writer Matt Winkeljohn.

Q: When you sought advice on whether to enter the draft, what did NFL officials tell you, and why did you decide to return to school?

A: I was advised by coach Gailey to [engage the NFL] advisory board, and I got a third-round grade. My parents, God, [chaplain] Derrick Moore, we all met with people, had phone calls and made an informed decision. And that's the best decision.

[By returning] I get a chance to work more toward finishing school, get a chance to play a full season healthy, play a full season while getting the majority of the playing time [after backing up Darrell Robertson and Adamm Oliver the past two seasons], help take this team to a new level.

Q: Your father, Samuel, earned a Purple Heart in Vietnam and you have several relatives in the military, some serving overseas now. Does that make you more likely than most college students to follow coverage of the war?

A: I really don't read the news about the war because most of the stuff is negative. I try to just keep our country, the leadership and the military in my prayers. I talk to family whenever I can.

I have nothing against the media, but a lot of things that get reported are so negative, and it's just to instill fear in people. When I hear about victories, and positive advances, that's what I like to hear. What you dwell on is what you manifest. If you dwell on the negative, you'll manifest the negative.

Q: When you're in defensive line meetings, who is the biggest cut-up or clown?

A: Hmmmm. Probably [defensive line] coach [Giff] Smith more than anybody else. He probably jokes more than anyone. We've been so used to ... when former defensive coordinator Jon] Tenuta was here, you didn't know when it was OK to laugh so we're all kind of still of in that mindset. Coach Tenuta was cool, though.

Q: Is there a notable difference in chemistry, in the vibe around this team?

A: We're getting stronger together as a unit because the team is being stressed more. We don't have individuals here. It's not about offense and defense, or special teams. It's about the team. There's not going to be any me, me. If there is, you can go. We're not about that.

Q: Who is the most underrated defensive player on the team? Most underrated offensive player?

A: [Defensive back] Dominique Reese, wherever he lands. He's an athlete, man. And [running back] Roddy Jones.

Q: Is there anyone on the team who comes close to talking as much as former running back Tashard Choice?

A: No. There's nobody near.