Virginia Football Lands Transfer Portal Commitment From Former Georgia Tech/Utah DB Kenan Johnson

Jackson Caudell | May 19, 2025

Sep 1, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive back K.J. Wallace (16) reacts after a pass breakup with defensive back Kenan Johnson (10) against the Louisville Cardinals in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Virginia Football has made the secondary a big priority during the spring transfer portal window and in the last couple of weeks, they have added multiple bodies to the defensive backfield. Today, former Utah/Georgia Tech cornerback Kenan Johnson announced his commitment to the Cavaliers.

Job not finished!! #GoHoos ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/f6xxbUTQ3p

— Kenan Johnson (@_kenan_7) May 19, 2025

During the 2023 season for the Yellow Jackets, Johnson finished the year with 29 tackles, three pass deflections, and one interception. He was the highest-graded player on the Georgia Tech defense according to PFF (Pro Football Focus), finishing with a 75.4 grade on 521 snaps. He played only 13 snaps for the Utes last season.

Last week, Army transfer defensive back Donavon Platt announced that he was going to be transferring to join the Cavaliers program. Platt finished last season with 15 tackles, two interceptions, and four passes defended.

Platt is an experienced cornerback who should fit in with Tony Elliott's program. According to PFF (Pro Football Focus), Platt finished last season with a 64.0 overall grade in 521 snaps, including 67.3 in coverage. The concerning grade would be on his tackling and run stopping performance. PFF handed out a 28.2 tackling grade to Platt and a 45.2 run defense grade. There is reason to hope that is not a trend though. In the two years prior, Platt finished with an 81.9 tackling grade and a 69.3. Platt played the most snaps of his career a year ago and will look to continue his upward trajectory this fall with the Cavaliers.

Virginia got big boosts earlier this month when they landed a pair of quality defensive backs. Emmanuel Karnley left Miami after a brief stop with the Hurricanes and the former Arizona Wildcat is going to be trying to improve the back end for Virginia. Karnley is a four-star transfer according to 247Sports and should be an instant impact player, but he was not the only notable defensive back addition this month.

Virginia managed to pull in New Mexico State defensive back Da'Marcus Crosby as well. Our own Aidan Baller broke down his commitment:

"The 6’2 safety from Houston, Texas, started his collegiate career in junior college at Kilgore College in Texas. In his sophomore year, Crosby starred for the Rangers, registering 75 tackles, three interceptions, and forced three fumbles. In a 51-14 win over Blinn College, Crosby took one interception to the house. 

After two seasons at Kilgore, Crosby transferred to Sam Houston State University, remaining in the Lone Star State while upgrading to FBS football. Crosby joined the Bearkats in their first-ever season of FBS football. 

At SHSU, Crosby earned All-Conference USA First Team as he picked up 55 tackles, three pass breakups, and four interceptions. Against Kennesaw State, Crosby registered 10 tackles and a key fourth-quarter interception that set up the game-winning field goal. The performance earned Crosby CUSA Defensive Player of the Week honors."

There has not been a position that Virginia has not tried to tackle in the portal. Of course the headliners are quarterback Chandler Morris, one of the better quarterbacks in the portal, Purdue transfer wide receiver Jahmal Edrine, and Alabama transfer Hunter Osborne. This has been a good class for Virginia and with the portal now closed, they should remain one of the ACC's best classes.

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