By Hunt Palmer
The quotes in this story come from Johnson’s Monday interview on After Further Review with Matt Moscona.
Ju’Juan Johnson’s football future remains unclear.
That applies to his school and his position. Johnson has played defensive back, quarterback and running back over his two seasons at LSU, and now he’s made it known that he’ll be entering the transfer portal to assess his options moving forward.
“At LSU, I learned a lot with the coaches and also my teammates,” Johnson said on After Further Review. “I just wanted to show my talent to the world in a new way at a new spot.”
Johnson’s talent is obvious. He set Louisiana state record for total yardage and touchdowns as a prep star at Lafayette Christian.
His on-field impact has been in a reserve running back role at LSU. His development at the position had to have been hindered by switching positions three different times. Johnson never batted an eye.
“I love LSU,” Johnson said. “I love being there. I love playing there. I love the fans and everything that that comes with. I just felt like, if I want to be on the field as soon as possible, that’s what I had to do to get on the field.”
That love for LSU and respect for his teammates made Johnson’s decision to play in the bowl game despite his intentions to enter the portal.
LSU takes on Houston in the Kinders Texas Bowl on December 27.
“I just feel like I had to finish with my team,” Johnson said. “I started with them on my college journey, and at the end of the day, I’ve got to finish with them….We’ve got to stick together even if I might be leaving.”
A new era of LSU football begins follow the bowl game. New head coach Lane Kiffin has taken the reins in Baton Rouge. Johnson says he has not talked to Kiffin or the new offensive staff, but he would be open to a return to LSU.
“Everything is in the cards for me, honestly, I love LSU,” Johnson said. “I love being there. It there was an opportunity, and they asked me to stay, and they give me an opportunity and a blueprint that I may like, then it is a strong possibility that I might stay. But, right now I’m just looking for the best opportunity for myself.”
Johnson feels like that opportunity will likely be at running back where the majority of his college experience has come. He’s open to a move back to quarterback, wide receiver or back to defense.
After two years of putting the team first, Johnson can make a decision for himself this time.
“Honestly, I have to see where the best opportunity for me to play is,” Johnson said. “If I feel in my heart it’s the best opportunity to play at quarterback or receiver or DB, that’s what I’m going to do.”
More LSU Sports
