LSU Priority Target Announces College Decision
In this story:
Louisiana athlete Ju’Juan Johnson has made his college decision. The Lafayette Christian Academy product has committed to Deion Sanders and Colorado.
Johnson was a major LSU target after Brian Kelly and his staff extended him an offer over the summer, but a visit to Boulder last weekend paired with Sanders’ involvement in his recruitment ultimately became too much for the Tigers to overcome.
A top five player in the state of Louisiana, losing a player of his caliber is certainly a loss, but the Tigers have time to work their magic.
The 2024 athlete can do it all. He’s played quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back and more for Lafayette Christian Academy, but is projected to play in the secondary once in college, hence Sanders’ impact being so critical.
The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder emerged on the recruiting scene last summer by earning his first seven scholarship offers, including the likes of LSU, Alabama and Texas A&M, after dominant camp performances in June.
Fast forward to his junior season, Johnson went to show out for the Knights by passing for 3,976 yards and 43 touchdowns while rushing for 1,284 yards and 17 additional scores.
Johnson has been on LSU’s campus on several occasions, clearly expressing interest in the Tigers, making this next year very important.
Brian Kelly and his program will have an extended period of time to try and flip the youngster from Colorado, but it’ll certainly be a fight.
Brian Kelly’s Recruiting Message:
“We’re going to identify the best prospects throughout the country and you’ll see that in this signing class. We’ll have players from the northeast, the midwest, the west coast. But our base will be Louisiana and the south,” Kelly said. “When you’re LSU and you have a brand that’s so recognizable, you can’t have blinders on either. Our scope and vision is national but it’s not like we’re pulling four guys out of every state. We’re gonna have a heavy influence in the state of Louisiana, like we should.”
“I think within a calendar year we could be looking to turn over 70 scholarships,” Kelly said. “I certainly don’t think it’s going to be in the mid to high 30s [as the norm]. I think that’s outside the lines. I do believe the high 20s is going to be the norm. I remember years where it was 18, I think those days are over.”
“You don’t want to jump every year into the transfer portal when it comes to the cornerback position. We did this year because there was such a need to put together a representative group. I think there’s gonna be a heavy influence on freshmen and that’s the way we want to build,” Kelly said. “Does that mean we won’t look at transfers? No, it doesn’t mean we’ll close the door on that, but last year they were one year and done. We’re not looking in that respect. Corners would have to have more than one season of competition left if we go that route.”
