Report: Penn State QB, former 4-star recruit, enters NCAA transfer portal
A highly sought-after dual-threat quarterback from the class of 2019 is reportedly available to recruit again. 247Sports is reporting that Penn State quarterback Michael Johnson Jr. has entered the transfer portal.
As a recruit, Johnson was rated 4-stars and the No. 15 dual-threat quarterback in the class on the 247Sports Composite. Coming out of Sheldon High School, Johnson’s 29 scholarship offers included Alabama, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Texas A&M. Obviously, many of those programs have undergone significant staff changes since they recruited Johnson. At Alabama, for instance, Johnson’s recruiters were former defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi and then-quarterbacks coach Dan Enos, per his 247Sports recruiting profile.
Johnson, who is listed at 6-2, 200 pounds, does have some familiarity with current SEC coaches. Johnson visited NC State in June of 2019. His primary Wolfpack recruiter was current Missouri head coach Eliah Drinkwitz. Current Texas A&M assistants Dameyune Craig and Darrell Dickey are also listed as Johnson’s Aggie recruiters.
Johnson, a native of Eugene, Oregon, is looking at 3 seasons of eligibility if he transfers to an FBS program and does not receive a waiver to play in 2020. He redshirted at Penn State in 2019 and did not see the field and at an FBS program would be a redshirt sophomore in 2021.