Former Texas A&M Aggies RB LJ Johnson Jr. Enters Transfer Portal Again
In a significant development within college football, former Texas A&M running back LJ Johnson Jr. has entered the NCAA transfer portal for the second time in his collegiate career. This move comes after his initial transfer from Texas A&M to Southern Methodist University (SMU) in December 2022. The decision raises questions about his playing time at SMU and the broader implications for his football journey.
Background and Recruitment
LJ Johnson Jr. began his football career at Cy-Fair High School in Cypress, Texas, where he gained recognition as a four-star recruit. In the 2021 recruiting cycle, he was ranked as the No. 57 overall player and the No. 5 running back nationally, according to the On3 Consensus citeturn0search1. His high school performance included over 4,350 rushing yards and 77 touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a top-tier running back.
Upon graduation, Johnson chose to commit to Texas A&M, selecting the Aggies over numerous other programs. During his freshman year in 2021, he appeared in four games, accumulating 21 carries for 76 yards. The following season, he participated in six games, recording 10 carries for 39 yards and two touchdowns citeturn0search0. Despite his high school accolades, Johnson faced stiff competition for playing time at Texas A&M, contributing to his decision to transfer.
Transfer to SMU
In December 2022, Johnson announced his commitment to transfer to SMU, expressing gratitude towards Texas A&M’s coaching staff and the Aggie community. He stated, “After extensive prayer and discussion with my family, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal” citeturn0search4. At SMU, he joined a competitive backfield alongside other transfer running backs, including Camar Wheaton from Alabama and Jaylan “Rooster” Knighton from Miami.
During his time at SMU, Johnson aimed to revitalize his collegiate career by securing a more prominent role in the offense. However, reports indicate that he has now entered the transfer portal again, signaling his intent to seek new opportunities elsewhere.
Implications and Future Prospects
Johnson’s decision to enter the transfer portal for a second time raises several considerations:
- Playing Time and Role: Despite transferring to SMU for increased opportunities, Johnson may have found himself competing for playing time, leading to his decision to explore other programs.
- Development and Fit: The coaching staff’s offensive system and the team’s overall dynamics may not have aligned with Johnson’s playing style, prompting him to seek a better fit.
- Eligibility and Recruitment: As a redshirt sophomore, Johnson retains multiple years of eligibility, making him an attractive prospect for programs seeking experienced running backs.
Given his high school pedigree and previous collegiate experience, Johnson is likely to attract interest from various programs aiming to bolster their backfield. His next destination will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of his collegiate football career.
