On the same day as Kevin Sumlin expected to be Arizona's next head football coach, it took just hours for the first domino to fall on the recruiting trail.
Former Nebraska and four-star wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson Jr., son of NFL legend Keyshawn Sr., will reportedly enroll in classes at UA immediately and begin training for the upcoming spring practice period.Β
The initial report of Johnson joining the Wildcats came from Yahoo Sports' Nate Clouse via Twitter.
Hearing former #Huskers WR Keyshawn Johnson Jr. out of Calabasas, Calif. will be enrolling at Arizona this week to play for new #BearDown HC Kevin Sumlin. pic.twitter.com/0qLBexpivb
— Nate Clouse (@NateClouse) January 14, 2018
Johnson was a freshman in 2017 and was prepared to be a key part to the Cornhusker offense, but was cited for possession of marijuana and drugΒ paraphernalia at his dorm in June. Following his citation, Keyshawn Sr. pulled his son out of Nebraska to miss the 2017 season and while Keyshawn Jr. was hopeful to return to the team in 2018, he decided to transfer in December.
What does this mean for Arizona? The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Johnson is originally from Calabasas, California (Calabasas HS) where he was teammates with Arizona safety Isaiah Hayes and a pair of 2018 UA recruits, defensive tackle Mykee Irving and defensive end Nahe Sulunga.
Hayes went to Twitter to show his support for reuniting with Johnson.Β
Hearing this news brought me out of twitter retirement. Been through it all with my mans. Another chapter in my life with my family. From day one! Letβs get to work and silence the noise! New chapter with my guy! ππ pic.twitter.com/SFaCMqIRkM
— Isaiah C. Hayes (@Hayes_Era30) January 15, 2018
In Johnson's career at Calabasas, he recorded 2,328 yards and 20 touchdowns along with averaging 14.8 yards per catch. He also had offers from Alabama, Florida State, Clemson, Ohio State and USC.
How does he fit in the mix at Arizona? The Wildcats currently have Shun Brown, Shawn Poindexter, Tony Ellison, Brian Casteel and Devaughn Cooper still on the roster. Although he's not as tall as Poindexter who's 6-foot-5, Johnson adds size to the offense and adds another weapon around Khalil Tate, which is crucial especially since the soon-to-be junior quarterback will be competing for a Heisman.
Check out Johnson's highlights:
