LSU Target Ju'Juan Johnson Backs Off Of Colorado Commitment
Louisiana athlete Ju’Juan Johnson has backed off of his commitment to Deion Sanders and Colorado after a recent visit for their annual spring game.
Johnson was a major LSU target after Brian Kelly and his staff extended him an offer over the summer, but once Sanders took over the job in Boulder and became involved in his recruitment, it ultimately became too much for the Tigers to overcome.
Now, the priority target is back on the market with LSU and Florida being two programs looking to put their foot on the gas for the dynamic athlete.
Johnson is projected to be a defensive back at the next level, but is versatile enough to be placed on either side of the ball and be effective.
The 2024 athlete can do it all. He’s played quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back and more for Lafayette Christian Academy, but will play in the secondary once in college, hence Sanders’ impact being so critical prior to his commitment.
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 on a tear for the Knights after 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 these next few months very important when it comes to pursuing the Louisiana native.
Brian Kelly and his program will have an extended period of time to try and keep him in-state, 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.”
