Miami football adds UCLA transfer linebacker Caleb Johnson

The Miami football program added their 10th transfer of the 2022 offseason and second this week with the announcement that UCLA linebacker Caleb Johnson has committed to the Hurricanes. Johnson is the first LB and sixth defensive player Miami has added as a transfer during the 2022 offseason.

Johnson chose Miami over Texas where he was once committed. Transfers have until May 1 to enter the portal to be eligible for the 2022 season without a waiver. Johnson had 89 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, three pass breakups and a fumble recovery in two seasons at UCLA.

At Miami, Johnson will compete with returnees Corey Flagg, Keontra Smith and Waynmon Steed, plus true freshman Wesley Bissainthe for first-team LB. Johnson should be expected to earn a starting spot for Miami in 2022. The Hurricanes could continue searching to sign another transfer LB for 2022.

Johnson visited Texas last weekend after previously taking his visit with the Miami football program earlier this month. In 18 games with UCLA over two seasons,  Johnson made 17 stars. Johnson only announced his entry into the transfer portal on April 7. Mitchell Agude transferred to Miami from UCLA earlier this month.

Agude was an edge rusher and outside LB in the 3-4 for UCLA. With Miami Agude projects to a 4-3 defensive end. Miami now has three sets of former teammates on its roster. Jonathan Denis and Logan Sagapolu transferred to Miami from Oregon. Akheem Mesidor and Darryl Porter Jr. transferred to Miami from West Virginia,.

Dennis and Sagapolu add depth to the Miami OL. Agude and Mesidor will compete with Jahfari Harvey and Chantz Williams to be the starting edge rushers. Porter will like start at CB opposite returning starter Tyrique Stevenson who was a transfer during the 2021 offseason. Miami will likely remain busy in the transfer portal.

Eric Gentry a freshman All-American at Arizona State in 2021 and Maryland defensive tackle Darrell Jackson are transfers to watch for the Hurricanes. Miami is expected to look at the defensive and offensive lines and wide receiver as positions they still want to add transfers for the 2022 season.