Top Louisiana ATH Ju'Juan Johnson Commits to LSU
When Louisiana athlete Ju’Juan Johnson backed off of his commitment to Deion Sanders and Colorado last month, it sent shockwaves across the college football recruiting scene. After weeks of pondering a decision, Johnson has made his choice. He’s committed to Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers.
Johnson was a major LSU target after 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 at the time.
After the priority target went back on the market, LSU and Florida became the two programs looking to put their foot on the gas for the dynamic athlete.
Fast forward to now and Johnson is an LSU commit. He’s pledge No. 15 in the 2024 class after the Tigers also welcomed four-star tight end Trey'Dez Green in late April.
For Kelly and the Tigers to continue their hot streak on the recruiting trail, as the trajectory of this program continues to trend positively, shows the long-term goals of this team.
The 5-foot-11, 178-pound athlete, who is set to play cornerback at the next level, has been on a steady rise throughout high school, but a productive junior campaign has seen his recruitment take off.
Johnson received several SEC offers over the last few months before revealing his pledge to LSU. A Top 10 player in the state, he gives the Tigers another major piece to their 2024 class.
The Tigers had quietly gotten Johnson and his family to campus on Monday as they prepared to make a commitment decision. After a productive time in Death Valley, he’s shut down the process.
A player who many expected to take his fair share of visits over the summer, Johnson silenced all rumors last week. He decided he will be taking zero official visits, and in turn, took a surprise unofficial to Baton Rouge.
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.
During his junior campaign, Johnson went on 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.
The Tigers now add one of the top prospects in the state of Louisiana as Brian Kelly and Co. secure another in-state prospect. This program continues winning hometown battles, reeling in another top player in Johnson for their 2024 recruiting class.
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.”
