Johnson’s father, Tyrone, later told The Advocate of Baton Rouge that his son was seeking to play in a “more wide-open” offense.
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Johnson, a former consensus four-star receiver (Rivals.com had him as a five-star) who was regarded as one of the cornerstones of the Tigers’ 2015 recruiting class, is transferring, which he announced via Twitter on Thursday. LSU has blocked a transfer to a SEC program but could go to junior college for a year then transfer back into the SEC.
In a post on Twitter on Thursday, Johnson said he’s been granted his release and that he’ll “miss my brothers and playing in Death Valley”.
LSU sports information director Michael Bonnette confirmed Johnson’s decision to transfer and added that LSU has granted his request for a release. It is also worth noting that prior to formerly picking LSU out of high school, Johnson also displayed interest in both the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Oklahoma State Cowboys.
During his freshman season Johnson played in nine games tallying 150 yards and two touchdowns on nine receptions.
Johnson, though, worked with the freshmen and reserves during the first three days of preseason camp, while other receivers – even a walk-on – worked in the morning group with starters and veterans.
The news shouldn’t come as too much of a blow to the LSU receiving corps, which returns Malachi Dupre and Travin Dural. Diarse transferred to TCU and Quinn to SMU.
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Johnson caught 94 passes for 1,589 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior at Warren Easton, drawing offers from throughout the nation.
