The search for a class of 2021 running back for the Irish continues after yesterday saw Texas’ Alton McCaskill get an offer, today it was another Texan getting an offer in Johnathan (LJ) Johnson.
Beyond blessed to have received an offer from the University of Norte Dame!! pic.twitter.com/3ST5xLMKJl
— LJ Johnson Jr (@LJ_Johnson_Jr) May 6, 2020
With Brian Kelly losing out on North Carolina’s Will Shipley, there has been a huge focus on securing an elite running back for the class. Johnson checks a lot of boxes with a 5’10” and 200-pound frame and his offer list shows he’s one of the country’s most wanted backs. Johnson holds offers from Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Texas and now the Irish have joined the fold. Johnson is ranked as the 43rd overall prospect nationally and 4th running back by the 247Sports composite.
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Johnson isn’t going to blow by many defenders but takes great angles due to his exceptional vision. He has a nose for the endzone and is a bruiser, punishing the opposing team running through arm tackles.
Kelly and his staff went all in for Shipley and came up second in his recruitment, which means they have to make some inroads with running backs they weren’t heavily recruiting. Multiple offers have gone out in the last two days to back as they continue to find who will fit in best with the 2021 class. A talent like Johnson’s would be more than welcomed into the Irish’s running back room.