The world of college football has seen an increasing number of high-profile transfers in recent years, and the LSU Tigers football team is no stranger to the ebb and flow of talent. As the transfer portal continues to be a pivotal aspect of college football, programs across the nation look to both add and retain key players to improve their rosters. For **LSU**, a program that prides itself on developing top-tier talent, losing a player to the transfer portal is always noteworthy.
This time, the spotlight is on **D’Angelo “D.J.” Johnson**, a once-promising cornerback for LSU who, after some speculation, has revealed his decision on where he will continue his college football career. Johnson, who spent two seasons at LSU, has officially announced his transfer destination, making waves in the college football world. In this blog post, we’ll break down the significance of this move for both Johnson and LSU, explore what it means for the future of his career, and look at what LSU fans can expect from their secondary moving forward.
### Who is D’Angelo “D.J.” Johnson?
Before diving into the specifics of his transfer, it’s important to understand Johnson’s background and the expectations that surrounded him during his time at LSU.
D.J. Johnson, originally a 3-star recruit out of **Louisiana**, joined LSU in 2022 with high hopes and a chance to make an immediate impact in the Tigers’ secondary. Standing at **6 feet, 190 pounds**, Johnson has the physical tools necessary to be an elite cornerback at the next level. His speed, size, and agility made him an exciting prospect for LSU, and many saw him as a potential key player in the Tigers’ defensive backfield for years to come.
During his freshman season, Johnson saw limited playing time, but his potential was evident in the snaps he did take. LSU fans and coaching staff were eager to see how his development would unfold under the tutelage of defensive coordinator **Matt House** and position coach **Robert Steeples**. As is often the case with young defensive backs, the transition to college football can be a challenging one, and Johnson’s performance reflected that as he worked to adjust to the pace and complexity of the game at the highest level.
In his second year with LSU in 2023, Johnson found himself buried on the depth chart, as the Tigers boasted a more experienced and talented defensive back group. The competition at cornerback was stiff, with names like **Kool-Aid McKinstry**, **Jarrick Bernard-Converse**, and **Sy’Veon Wilkerson** getting more playing time. As a result, Johnson’s opportunities were limited, and it became increasingly clear that he might need to look elsewhere to further his career.
### The Transfer Decision: Where Is Johnson Going?
After a year of limited playing time and a growing realization that his path to significant playing time at LSU might be blocked, Johnson made the decision to enter the transfer portal. In early January 2024, he officially revealed his new destination: **the University of Miami Hurricanes**.
This decision is an interesting one, as Miami is a program that has experienced both highs and lows in recent seasons. Under head coach **Mario Cristobal**, the Hurricanes have been looking to return to prominence, and adding a player like Johnson to their roster could be a big step in that direction. Johnson will join a **Miami secondary** that is in need of some fresh talent, especially after losing key contributors to the NFL draft and graduation. His skills and potential will help bolster a defense that already has a solid foundation, making Miami an appealing landing spot.
For Johnson, the move to Miami represents an opportunity to get more playing time, showcase his abilities, and continue his development as a cornerback. With a clear path to a starting role, he’ll have the chance to make an immediate impact in the ACC and help Miami return to contention in the college football world.
### What Does This Mean for LSU’s Secondary?
Johnson’s departure has significant implications for LSU, especially in the context of the team’s **secondary**. Losing a promising young talent is never ideal, particularly when a program like LSU has built a reputation on developing elite cornerbacks. While Johnson did not have a starring role with the Tigers, his exit leaves the team with one less option in the already competitive battle for playing time in the secondary.
LSU’s secondary has been a strength of the team in recent years, with standout players such as **Derek Stingley Jr.**, **Elias Ricks**, and **Kerry Vincent Jr.** all having made names for themselves at the NFL level after successful careers in Baton Rouge. However, with Johnson’s departure, the Tigers will need to focus on developing the next wave of cornerbacks.
Fortunately for LSU, the team has no shortage of talent in the defensive backfield. The Tigers still have a number of promising young corners, including **Zy Alexander**, who has been a standout in the **Louisiana high school football scene**, and **Denver Harris**, a 5-star recruit who will enter his sophomore season with much to prove. The coaching staff will likely continue to focus on developing their younger players, which is essential for LSU’s success in the SEC.
Additionally, LSU is also active in the transfer portal, looking to add depth and experience to the secondary. With cornerbacks in demand across college football, the Tigers have been linked to several players from other programs, hoping to shore up their defensive backfield ahead of the 2024 season.
For LSU fans, the key takeaway from Johnson’s departure is that the Tigers’ secondary remains a position of strength, but it will require continuous development and attention to ensure the unit remains elite. Even without Johnson, LSU has the depth and coaching expertise to maintain a formidable defense in the years ahead.
### What Does This Mean for D.J. Johnson’s Future?
For Johnson, this move to Miami represents an important juncture in his football career. A fresh start in a new system gives him the opportunity to play with more regularity, which will be crucial for his development. While Johnson’s time at LSU may not have been as impactful as he or the coaching staff had hoped, the move to Miami could be exactly what he needs to unlock his full potential.
The University of Miami has had a strong history of developing defensive backs who go on to have successful NFL careers. By transferring to Miami, Johnson will be entering a program that has produced standout cornerbacks like **Sean Taylor**, **Antrel Rolle**, and more recently **Michael Jackson**. Being part of this legacy and under the guidance of Miami’s defensive staff could be the catalyst for Johnson’s growth as a player.
Furthermore, Johnson’s decision to transfer to a program like Miami may also provide him with the visibility he needs to play at the next level. College football’s eyes will be on him as he competes for a starting role, and his performances in the ACC will have a significant impact on his NFL prospects. If he can thrive in a more prominent role, he could position himself to be a draft pick in future years.
### Conclusion: A New Beginning for D.J. Johnson and LSU’s Secondary
D.J. Johnson’s decision to transfer to Miami marks the beginning of a new chapter in his college football career. After a year of limited playing time at LSU, he now has the opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially become a key contributor for the Hurricanes. For LSU, while losing a promising player is always a tough blow, the team remains well-positioned to continue developing its secondary into one of the best in the SEC.
Johnson’s departure, while notable, should not be seen as a setback for LSU’s program. With a wealth of talent still on the roster and an eye on the transfer portal for additional reinforcements, the Tigers are primed to continue their dominance in college football. For D.J. Johnson, this transfer is a chance to prove himself on a bigger stage, and with the right guidance and hard work, he could become one of the standout defensive players in the ACC. The future is bright for both the LSU Tigers and Johnson as they look toward the next chapter in their football journeys.