Amazing thing is, Larry Johnson still says he's got something to prove.

Even after breaking the school single-game rushing record. Even after surpassing the 1,000-yard barrier. Even with a 7.1 yard-per-carry average.

"I still feel like I'm overlooked around the country," Johnson, a fifth-year senior in his first year as the featured back, said. "People aren't mentioning me with the top guys. I still have a lot to prove."

Those that watch him on a regular basis know otherwise.

"Without a doubt he's one of the best," center Joe Iorio said. "He should get Heisman consideration."

Johnson could charge into the Heisman picture this week, and rightfully so. He's tougher to tackle than Curtis Enis and has better speed. He's got the best moves of any back in Happy Valley since Ki-Jana Carter.

His 279-yard performance against Illinois, which broke his own record of 258 yards set three weeks ago against Northwestern, was a markedly different show than anything Johnson has given so far. He carried a career-high 31 times on a wide variety of plays. There were many times he bounced outside and found open space. Other times he went up the middle and weaved through weak arm-tackles.

But most of his runs, including the 84-yard touchdown run in the first quarter, stemmed from his ability to shake the first tackler.

"He doesn't go down," said wide receiver Gerald Smith. "That's his style. He makes sure the first guy doesn't get him."

Johnson broke another 84-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter, but it was called back because there were two holding penalties on the play.

Johnson ate up clock in the second half and let Penn State's tired defense take a well deserved rest.

The Lions are now 6-0 when Johnson gains at least 100 yards. The times Johnson could not get moving where against teams whose lines were getting an immediate push into the backfield. Also, against Ohio State, the coaches chose to run Johnson on pitches and options against a speedy defense. The strategy failed then but worked yesterday.

It's hard to characterize Johnson's running style. He has been called impatient in the past, but now seems to have a feel for finding holes. Also, he often slows in mid-stride to throw-off tacklers. But he can power over them, too. And he's fast. Saturday he outran Illinois' secondary on the touchdown run.

"He has everything you are looking for in a running back," Penn State football coach Joe Paterno said.

Johnson, like all backs, gets too much of the credit. His line did a superb job of picking up the Illini linebackers, meaning Johnson usually had to take on a defensive back.

"Sometimes, he's tough to block for," Iorio said. "He's always looking for the hole and he's darting around so much you never know where he's going to end up."

Iorio said some of the toughest hits he takes all day are when Johnson runs into him from behind.

"That doesn't feel good," Iorio said, "unless I'm five or six yards downfield already, picking up a backer. Then, I know it's good. We've gained some yards."

Johnson took the line to Damon's after the Louisiana Tech game in September.

This Wednesday, he'll buy the line some pizza. But it's not a reward for his latest performance.

"That's something we've had planned," Johnson said. "We're going to go over the Ohio State film, see some of the mistakes we made. I just said I'd buy the food to get those guys there and concentrating. Anything with food ... "

Penn State's three remaining opponents will probably key on Johnson and force the Lions' sagging passing attack to gain yards. What remains to be seen is whether they'll be able to.

"You have to hit the guy," said Illinois defensive tackle Brett Kautter. "You can't arm tackle him or dive at him."

At least one guy is going to go to extra-lengths to make sure he sees what Johnson does next.

"I usually don't get to see his runs," Mills said. "I'm usually carrying out my fakes. But if I hear the crowd get loud, I'm going to turn and see what he's doing."