They were always reporting on Johnson's training in his heyday. His squat really was impressive for a little guy like that. Some of the stuff Francis is saying now may not be exactly true.
Anyway, I used to read about Johnson squatting 500 as part of his a.m. workout and then he'd do sprints all afternoon.
I am guessing more drugs were involved than Francis lets on.
I actually bumped into Johnson once - he came into my university residence office (where I was working) one night, looking for Victoria College (some girl or party he was trying to find). I went and told my friends he was waiting there, and they didn't believe me. Anyway long story short, he is a really ordinary looking guy in person. It is hard to believe a guy like that has such superhuman athletic ability.
I also think Charlie Francis is one hell of a good coach!