Speedy 3-star RB Chris Johnson discusses Miami football recruitment

Running back is the only position the 2023 Miami recruiting class is missing on offense. Three-star RB Chris Johnson spoke with Rivals.Com recently about his recruitment with the Miami football program. Rivals projects that Miami has a 100 percent chance to receive a commitment from Johnson.

Johnson has one crystal ball from 247 Sports that projects the Miami football program to receive a commitment from Johnson. The Dillard star has a 97.1 percent chance to commit to Miami via On3.Com. Miami RB coach Kevin Smith is leading the recruitment for Johnson according to his 247 Sports profile.

According to 247 Sports, Johnson ran a 10.45 100 meters and 20.78 200 meters in May. Andrew Ivins of 247 Sports projects Johnson to be a Power Five starter. Miami has excellent depth at RB with their entire corps having eligibility remaining beyond 2022. Miami 2022 signee Tre’Vonte Citizen has exceptional upside for the future.

Johnson has offers from multiple other Power Five programs but is focusing on Miami and Mississippi per the interview with Rivals. Mario Cristobal hired Smith away from Mississippi during the offseason. Johnson told Rivals he has a goal of playing early in college. That could be a challenge at Miami.

"“They show me how they’re going to utilize me, where I’m going to be used on the field. That’s the biggest thing for me, I wanna be able to go somewhere and play early. Get on the field right away. Coach (offensive coordinator Josh) Gattis said that you could be a freshman starting in his backfield, as long as you know how to play football.”"

In addition to Citizen, Miami has 2022 sophomores in eligibility Don Chaney Jr, Thad Franklin, Jaylan Knighton and Thad Franklin who project to be with the Hurricanes for 2023. Johnson needs to work on his pass-catching ability according to On3. Knighton and Parrish have both been excellent receivers in college.

The projections indicate Miami is in the driver’s seat to receive a commitment from Johnson. Johnson has not set a commitment date yet. Miami freshman Nyjalik Kelly is a Dillard alum. That could potentially help the Hurricanes in the recruitment of Johnson. Justin Garcia of Rivals examined Johnson’s recruitment.

"“Miami really seems to be in the driver’s seat here. With the local ties and familiarity with the Hurricanes and some of their players and recruits, Miami is definitely in a good spot for Johnson. He is definitely the type of talent Mario Cristobal would like to keep home. However, Ole Miss isn’t giving up.”"

Rivals currently ranks the 2023 Miami recruiting class ninth nationally. Four of the 2023 Miami football commits are from South Florida. Cristobal is instilling a good balance for Miami recruiting locally and nationally. Johnson would help fill out the sole missing position Miami has on offense for the 2023 class.