CHATTER: N.D.'S JOHNSON A TOP NFL PROSPECT.

Byline: Vincent Bonsignore Staff Writer

Former Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks football standout Travis Johnson was on his way to New Orleans on Tuesday when his cell phone rang. Johnson, a senior at Florida State, is on break while the Seminoles await word on their New Year's Day bowl status. He was en route to Louisiana to visit some buddies playing with the Saints.

That's not what Johnson wanted to talk about when he answered the phone.

``Hey, man, who does Notre Dame got this week?'' Johnson asked the caller, more interested in his alma mater's playoff status than his rising stock as one of the best defensive tackle prospects in the upcoming NFL draft. For the record, Notre Dame plays at Muir of Pasadena tonight at 7 p.m. in the Southern Section Div. III playoffs.

``I wanted to come out to see them this week, but I got talked into going to New Orleans to chill with some of my friends with the Saints,'' Johnson said. ``But I'll be out there to see them play before they finish up. Maybe in the championship game. They'll get there. I know that.''

These are good days for Johnson, who is considered one of the two best defensive tackle prospects in the country, along with USC's Shaun Cody. Johnson was featured on a draft breakdown on the NFL Network on Tuesday, drawing praise for his dominant performances against some of the top offensive linemen in the country.

``It's been a great year, and great things are starting to happen for me,'' Johnson said. ``I feel truly blessed right now. It just shows what happens when you stick with something. I've had some rocky times, but I'm still here standing.''

And he's getting ready to make a lot of money. Johnson, who battled injuries, homesickness, family illness and tragedy during his stay at Florida State, hopes to crack into the top five picks on draft day.