After two consecutive seasons as Auburn’s leading wide receiver in terms of receiving yards, Ja’Varrius Johnson is reportedly set to enter the transfer portal, as reported by 247Sports. Despite amassing over 1,110 receiving yards in 34 games over the last three seasons, Johnson, a product of Hewitt-Trussville, has decided to explore new opportunities.
Over his four years on campus, Johnson has been the most productive Auburn player to transition into the transfer portal while holding a leadership role in the wide receiver room. Despite leading all Auburn wide receivers in yards for the past two years, Johnson couldn’t solidify himself as the go-to wide receiver that Auburn needed. However, he showcased his skills in the Iron Bowl at the close of the 2023 regular season, giving a glimpse of his potential as a No. 1 receiver.
Auburn, however, has alternatives at the slot receiver position for the future. Caleb Burton, in his second year with Auburn after transferring from Ohio State last offseason, and the addition of highly-rated transfer Robert Lewis from Georgia State provide depth to the team.
Ja’Varrius Johnson is now the fourth Auburn receiver to enter the transfer portal, following Jyaire Shorter, Omari Kelly, and Malcolm Johnson Jr. Additionally, Robby Ashford, another notable Auburn name, has also entered the portal.
With Johnson’s departure, Auburn’s wide receiver room is left with only four returning players: Koy Moore, Jay Fair, Camden Brown, and Burton. The team will head into the upcoming Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 with only seven scholarship wide receivers on its roster, and just two of those seven recorded double-digit catches this season.
Auburn is expected to undergo a significant overhaul of its wide receiver room, aiming to address the struggles faced in the 2024 season. The recruitment of a highly-rated class of freshman receivers, including five-star recruits Cam Coleman and Perry Thompson, along with four-star commits Malcolm Simmons and Bryce Cain, marks a substantial revamp and reset for the program.
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