Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin had high praise for sophomore wide receiver Ja’Varrius Johnson after the Tigers’ first scrimmage Thursday.
“He’s been one of the more consistent players, day in and day out, as far as his execution and preparation. Being able to come off the ball and be an explosive player play after play, the great ones who play that position at wide receiver, that’s what they do. He’s played faster, and he’s done it more consistently. He’s made some plays in practice.”
As a senior out of Hewitt Trussville High School, Johnson recorded 87 receptions for 1,683 yards and 15 touchdowns. His first two seasons at Auburn have been less than ideal as he has not yet recorded any stats. As a redshirt freshman he suffered from a sports-related hernia and last season only saw game action against Georgia.
Bo Nix completes a pass to Ja’Varrius Johnson: pic.twitter.com/BZ4z2p5fWZ
— Christian Clemente (@CClemente__) March 20, 2021
The Tigers wide receiver corps last season was filled with veteran leadership, but now that former starters Seth Williams, Eli Stove, and Anthony Schwartz have departed for the NFL, this spring is Johnson’s time to prove himself capable as a starter.
Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo shared his thoughts on what makes Johnson a standout player:
“The bottom line is that you get out there, you notice guys on tape – are they coming off the ball, creating space making plays? He has made plays for two days. His ability to get off the ball with speed and urgency has put pressure on the defense. I think we got to get all these receivers exploding off that football and creating stress on the defense, whether we’re running a 6-yard route or a 9 route, which is a go ball or takeoff. He’s looked the same every time. When we’re run blocking, you got to explode off the ball, and he’s been doing that.”
Ja’Varrius Johnson brings consistency and talent to a youthful wide receiver corps. 158 days separate fans from the start of the season and while it is still unclear who Auburn’s starters will be at wide receiver, it is clear that Johnson’s breakout spring performance sets a standard for all receivers moving forward.