What went into Max Johnson’s decision not to play for Miami football?

The loss of four-star, 2020 quarterback Max Johnson to LSU generated a lot of discussion amongst those that follow the Miami football program. That had a lot to do with the fact that Johnson is the nephew of Miami Head Coach Mark Richt.

Johnson is also the son of former Florida State and NFL quarterback Brad Johnson. The elder Johnson’s quarterback coach in his last two seasons with the Seminoles was Richt. Johnson is married to Richt’s sister Nikki. Johnson’s decision continues to leave the Miami football program without a QB for 2019 or ’20.

Johnson’s decision to matriculate in Baton Rouge bookended a pair of losses by the Miami football program to the Tigers during the 2018 season. Miami began the season with a week one, 33-17 loss to LSU at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. After losing to the Tigers on the field, Miami now lost a recruiting battle of it.

What has gotten lost in the fact that Johnson spurned his mother’s brother and that he also decided not to attend Richt’s former employer, Georgia. Johnson lives 15 minutes from the Bulldogs campus.

LSU likely needs Johnson as bad as Miami. The Tigers have a commit at Quarterback for 2019 and another for 2020 besides Johnson. LSU had to bring in Joe Burrow from Ohio State as a Graduate Transfer this season to play quarterback. That cost the Tigers two signal callers on their roster.

One angle that was left out of the discussion in Johnson’s decision is that he attends the same high school, Oconee County, that former LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger graduated from.

Johnson’s Tweet announcing he would play college football in Baton Rouge was very gracious to Richt and the Miami coaching staff.

In a blog post on the Miami Herald’s website, Barry Jackson highlighted why Johnson chose LSU over Miami in an interview that Johnson did with Rivals.Com.

"“About seven days ago, I knew LSU was where I wanted to go. I called up LSU on Monday night and told them I wanted to commit. Coach [Ed] Orgeron screamed in his raspy voice and he was very excited. I was pretty pumped too.All the schools I was looking at are great and they were very respectful to me and my family, but I just felt best about LSU. I love the offense they run, I am really starting to build a strong relationship with coach Steve Emsinger and it is just a place that I can see myself being happy at.I was at the Rice game this season and I have been there enough to see that the atmosphere in Baton Rouge is incredible. The fans pack Death Valley out every week and the people there are great. It is just the right place for me.“I really dug deep to figure out where I wanted to be and if I didn’t feel LSU was the perfect school for me, then I wouldn’t have committed. LSU is the right place for me and it is the best situation for me. I am not taking anymore visits because LSU is the right fit.”"

Johnson’s commitment to LSU continues to leave the Miami football program without a quarterback committed to their 2019 or 2020 recruiting classes. The Hurricanes will still have a relatively young quarterback room next season.

Rivals.Com’s Chad Simmons is high on Johnson’s potential. Jackson posted Simmons summary of Johnson’s potential.

"“The obvious is the obvious — Johnson is elite. Johnson is a 6-foot-4,215-pound south-paw with a great frame, a live arm and a great understanding of the game.His father is Brad Johnson, a former Florida State and NFL quarterback, so the new LSU commit has the benefit of working day to day with someone who has played the game at the highest level.As a passer, Johnson surprises some with his arm and his touch. He throws a beautiful deep ball and he really processes things quickly. He is very strong mentally and he is advanced when reading coverages and making decisions.”What may surprise people the most about Johnson is his athleticism. He can dunk a basketball and he is more mobile than many expect. He is an all-around quarterback with size, toughness, arm strength and the ability to lead.”"

Johnson had a mediocre Junior season. NOLA.Com summarized Johnson’s 2018 stats via Max Preps.

"“Johnson completed just 38 percent of his passes in 10 games his junior season, compiling 925 yards and nine touchdowns to go with seven interceptions.His sophomore year, he threw for 1,918 yards, 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while completing 53 percent of passes. He’s reportedly impressed at camps and showcases.”"

What hurts the Miami football program just as much in not getting a commitment from Johnson because he is Richt’s nephew is the fact that the Hurricanes do not have a quarterback committed for either 2019 or ’20.

There are still several uncommitted quarterbacks out there, but Richt needs to secure a QB at least for 2020.

There has been a lot of questioning of Richt’s ability as a coach and recruiting after Johnson announced his decision to attend LSU. The speculation has focused on if Richt can not recruit his own nephew what does that say about the other players that Miami is recruiting.