Published Feb 3, 2021
The pick is in: Rivals100 RB LJ Johnson to Texas A&M
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Sam Spiegelman  •  Rivals.com
National Recruiting Analyst
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@samspiegs

After wrestling between two teams for the bulk of the fall, LJ Johnson's decision is in.

The Rivals100 running back from Cypress (Texas) Fairbanks has signed with Texas A&M over Texas. Johnson was in College Station and Austin at different points over the past few weeks after wrestling with the Longhorns and Aggies since before the Early Signing Period in December.

LSU and Oklahoma were also finalists for the nation's No. 2-ranked running back and No. 43 overall player.

Johnson, who graduated in December, is expected to enroll on campus at A&M in the May.

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"I camped at A&M as a freshman and I remember seeing (Isaiah) Spiller, Ainias (Smith), Trayveion Williams ... and I loved it," Johnson told Rivals earlier this year while still deciding from LSU, Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M.

"The same goes for Oklahoma, Texas and LSU ... They have a great running back tradition. All four schools are with the running backs ... "It's been going good (with running backs coach Tommie Robinson). He's easy to talk to. He's a good recruiter. I can see myself playing for him."

Robinson also recruited Johnson while in the same position with LSU last season.

"They have been showing me the new offense, too, and I've been meeting with the new running backs coach (Tommie Robinson)," Johnson added. "I've been talking to Coach Robinson a lot and he's shown me the offense. I've been talking to Coach Jimbo (Fisher), seeing the offense and what I can do there. They don't have a lot of backs at Texas A&M, so I can come in and have an early impact. My relationship (with Robinson) carried over from LSU to Texas A&M, so I know him pretty well."

Johnson is the 23rd member of the Aggies' 2021 recruiting class, which entered the day ranked No. 8 nationally on Rivals. He's the second four-star back along with Miami native Amari Daniels and joins notable highly-ranked Houston area prospects such as Tunmise Adeleye, Reuben Fatheree, Shadrach Banks and Bryce Foster in Texas A&M's haul.

Furthermore, Johnson is the highest-ranked running back signed by Texas A&M since five-star Spring (Texas) Dekaney alum Trey Williams inked with the team in 2012.

RIVALS REACTION

Johnson is arguably the most decorated, most productive running back to come out of the Lone Star State in the Class of 2021. The Rivals100 talent has managed back-to-back-to-back 1,000-plus-yard seasons in addition to being heralded as the District 17-6A Newcomer of the Year after a breakout sophomore campaign and unanimous Overall MVP honors in 2019 and 2020.

As a senior, Johnson churned out 1,262 yards and 20 touchdowns has the focal point of the Cy-Fair offense. He averaged 7.1 yards per carry in 10 games played and added another 14 catches for 255 yards and three more receiving scores. Johnson was named the District 17-6A Offensive MVP for a second consecutive year and finished his prep career with more than 4,350 yards and 82 total touchdowns.

Johnson’s production is certainly noteworthy and one of the big reasons why the four-star running back has been able to dominate on the ground is due to his fantastic combine measurables. A dual-sport standout, Johnson also runs track for Cy-Fair and clocked an 11.3-second 100-meter time last spring. Last offseason, Johnson also recorded a 4.42-second 40 time, a 4.26-second short shuttle and a 34.2-inch vertical jump.

Johnson possesses an ideal blend of power (5-foot-10, 205 pounds) and speed (4.4) to barrel over defenders and break away from a crowd. He's broad-framed with impressive lower-body strength that shows in his running style. Johnson combines speed, power and fantastic balance in his game, which is easy to see in Cy-Fair’s run-dominated offense.

The 4.4 speed is noticeable when Johnson distances himself in the open field and quick feet to change direction seamlessly. He also boasts great vision, which is why he’s always prone to big chunk yardage plays and longer runs downfield. He runs downhill and isn't easily corralled by a single defender. His yards after contact are noteworthy and what separates him from most running backs nationally.

Johnson also possesses excellent power and balance, which are fortes in his game. Johnson is adept at keeping his legs churning, keeping plays alive and always powering forward. He tends to push the pile -- even after contact -- and has the ability to remain on his feet and even run through tacklers.

Johnson is dangerous around the goal line. Cy-Fair is a run-oriented offense and the obvious play calls didn’t stop Johnson from reaching the end zone 20 times as a senior. He has excellent contact balance, isn’t shy about lowering his shoulder and while he isn’t likely to make anybody miss in a 1-on-1 situation, he is more likely to propel forward regardless.