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Clemson's Disappointing Transfer Finally Has His Chance to Shine
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- Clemson's Disappointing Transfer Finally Has His Chance to Shine
(USA TODAY Network)
The Clemson Tigers rarely dip into the transfer portal, so when they do, it's certainly cause for attention.
Last winter, Clemson was a bit more active than usual, bagging 11 players in the portal. One of them was former SMU running back Chris Johnson Jr., and the move was immediately lauded.
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It was hard not to like what Johnson did with the Mustangs last season, and the Tigers experienced it first hand last October when he carried the ball six times for 59 yards and a touchdown while also catching four passes for 40 yards.
On the campaign as a whole, Johnson rushed for 479 yards and four scores on 7.1 yards per attempt, adding 17 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown.
Johnson's burst and explosiveness were obvious, so Clemson was hoping to make him a key cog in its offense this year.
That certainly isn't what has happened, as the senior halfback has struggled to even get playing time. Johnson has toted the rock 39 times for 136 yards and a couple of touchdowns in eight games, and he has totaled just four receptions for 16 yards.
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The Tigers haven't gone out of their way to use Johnson, and he hasn't exactly taken full advantage with the burn he has received.
That could change this Saturday when Clemson heads on the road to face Syracuse.
The Tigers will be without top rusher Gideon Davidson , who suffered an ankle injury during the team's win at Florida State last weekend.
Dabo Swinney has already made it clear that Jarvis Green will be the starter, but he also noted that Johnson will have more opportunities against the Orange.
We know Johnson is talented. He displayed that last season, and he was a four-star transfer for a reason.
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He just hasn't been able to get comfortable in Chad Morris' offense, and whether or not that's on him or the scheme — or his lack of consistent playing time — is up for debate.
But one thing is for sure: Johnson absolutely should get his fair share of touches this Saturday, and if he doesn't, then that says a whole lot.
It should be noted that Green received nine carries to Johnson's five in Tallahassee, so it's pretty clear that Clemson will prioritize the former.
But that could change quickly of Johnson starts ripping off some chunk plays against a Syracuse squad that is coming off of back-to-back very impressive wins.
