Ju'Juan Johnson is one of the best high school football players in LHSAA history.
Johnson was a four-year starter at quarterback at Lafayette Christian Academy and finished with a Louisiana record in total yards (14,451) and touchdowns (171).
In high school, Johnson was electrifying with the ball in his hands and could sling it downfield.
LSU saw an outstanding athlete, but they were not quite sure what his position in college would be.
Johnson started at LSU as a defensive back last season.
But a season-ending injury to John Emery resulted in Johnson moving to running back before the second game of the season. Johnson only carried the ball seven times last year and caught five passes.
Quarterback Rickie Collins transferring to Syracuse and Colin Hurley missing spring practice after suffering injuries in a car accident gave Johnson a chance to compete at quarterback last spring.
But when preseason camp rolled around, Johnson was back at running back.
“What I thought was I played quarterback, I’ll be comfortable, because that’s where I’ve been at, but it’s a lot more challenging and difficult in college than in high school and pee-wee ball,” Johnson said. “I think running back is my most comfortable position. I’m just a natural runner, I know how to hit the hole and stuff.”
Johnson is getting more chances this year, but has yet to produce any “wow” moments like he did every Friday night for the LCA Knights.
Johnson has eight carries, but nine yards to show for it. He’s also caught six passes for 35 yards.
Johnson believes it’s just a matter of time before he and the offense start producing big plays.
“We know we obviously need to clean up things to keep on working to being the best that we can be, but I think the confidence level has been through the roof, we have a lot of energy, we have a lot of things that we’ve been doing on the field and off the field to work on getting better, but we are good, we got a lot of confidence,” Johnson said.
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Through three games, LSU is averaging 3.7 rushing yards per game. Johnson hopes he’s part of the solution in fixing LSU’s offense.
Nuss Bus to drive the offense against LSU
There’s been a debate among the LSU fanbase over whether quarterback Garrett Nussmeier should play this Saturday against Southeastern Louisiana. Nussmeier has been dealing with a torso injury that’s limited his ability to throw the ball down the field.
But Coach Brian Kelly said on Wednesday that Nussmeier will play against the Lions and needs to play as the Tigers try to get their offense on track.
Kick-off on Saturday night is at 6:45.