Going into the 2022 football season, Aggies Wire will be looking at each scholarship player listed on the Texas A&M roster.
Over the preseason, each profile will cover where the player is from, how recruiting websites rated them coming out of high school, and what role they will play for Jimbo Fisher this season.
LJ Johnson is entering his redshirt freshman season at the running back position for Texas A&M, currently battling with fellow running back Amari Daniels for the key backup running back spot behind Devon Achane. As one of the top-ranked offensive players in the 2021 recruiting class, Johnson what an absolute stud on the gridiron during his 4 years at Cyfair High School in Cypress, Texas. From his 2017 freshman year to his 2020 senior season, Johnson accumulated, 4,353 rushing yards on 550 carries (7.9-yard AVG) 21 100 + yard games, and a jaw-dropping 77 rushing touchdowns for his career. Johnson’s best season came during his 2019 junior season, rushing for 1,952 yards (9.5-yard AVG) 162.7 yards per game, and 37 touchdowns on the year.
During his recruiting process, Johnson’s final school list featured Texas, LSU, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M, with many recruiting analysts predicting that he would ultimately choose the longhorns, but as we all know in the recruiting world, nobody really knows anything at the very end. Johnson, who took multiple visits to College Station, Texas, surprised many by committing to the Aggies on Feb. 3, 2021, due to his close relationship with head coach Jimbo Fisher, and running back coach Tommie Robinson. During his first season with the program in 2021, Johnson appeared in four games total, tallying 21 rushing attempts for 76 yards, choosing to redshirt after four games played.
Preseason Player Profile
Hometown: Cypress, Texas
Height: 5-10
Weight: 205lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking
Class of 2021: 4-Star player ranking, 10th ranked player in Texas, 5th ranked running back prospect in the country
Depth Chart Overview
LJ Johnson is currently projected as a backup/rotational running back in Texas A&M’s pro-style offense, led by head coach Jimbo Fisher, and offensive coordinators Darrell Dickey and James Coley. Johnson is presently in competition with Amari Daniels (Sophomore) for the backup spot behind starting running back Devon Achane (Junior). From a scouting perspective, Jonhson is well built for today’s modern running back mold, standing at 5-10, 205lbs. Coming out of the high school ranks, Johnson is well known for his big-play ability as a runner, utilizing his one-cut explosive ability in the open field, and has the speed to hit a second gear while running a reported 4.42 40. His lateral foot quickness is consistently shown during rushes at both levels, combined with good instincts and vision in the backfield. One of his best traits is his strength and balance as a runner, utilizing his size while attempting to pick up every yard he possibly can. Bottom line, In a potential running back group composed of Devon Achane, Amari Daniels, and LJ Johnson, the Texas A&M backfield is in very good hands for now, and in the future.
Players’ Photo Gallery
