Photo by: Taris Smith | Louisville Athletics
Jamari Johnson Impresses Against Virginia
October 17, 2024 | Football
Louisville, Ky. – University of Louisville football's Jamari Johnson brought in his first career touchdown late in the fourth quarter to propel the Cards past Virginia this past Saturday.
Johnson, a redshirt freshman, knew that the play call late in the game was designed for him, and knew that he had to be ready when his number was called.
"When they called [the play], I said, 'Oh yeah. They called my number.' I had to make the play."
Jamari Johnson, a former four-star prospect out of Inglewood, Calif., was one of the top tight ends in the nation for the 2023 recruiting class. Johnson impressed in high school, playing a multitude of positions, including quarterback, which landed him All-American honors.
Johnson alluded to the fact that making the transition from quarterback to tight end was one that was difficult but helped in his progression to the field this year.
"It was a big transition from staying in the pocket to being the guy that's protecting the quarterback," Johnson said. "You have to know what is going on at all times as a quarterback. As a tight end, you have to know your routes and your protections. It helped a lot. On these routes, I have to know what the other guys are doing."
Johnson has made the transition appear seamless as he has brought in 11 catches for 140 yards this year, including his first ever touchdown grab late in the game against the Cavaliers.
Johnson has also embraced the part of his position that does not appear on stat sheets or box scores – blocking.
"Blocking gets me pumped up. When I don't get the ball, I take it out on whoever I'm blocking."
After this past Saturday's game, head coach Jeff Brohm is hopeful to include Johnson more into the gameplan in the coming weeks of ACC play.
"[Jamari Johnson] has a lot of potential and a lot of talent," Brohm said. "We like what he has done. [Tight ends] are very important to us as we analyze ways to get them the ball."
Johnson and the offense will look to continue their winning ways on Saturday when they face the No. 6 Miami Hurricanes at home. The game can be seen on ABC starting at 12 p.m. ET.
Johnson, a redshirt freshman, knew that the play call late in the game was designed for him, and knew that he had to be ready when his number was called.
"When they called [the play], I said, 'Oh yeah. They called my number.' I had to make the play."
Jamari Johnson, a former four-star prospect out of Inglewood, Calif., was one of the top tight ends in the nation for the 2023 recruiting class. Johnson impressed in high school, playing a multitude of positions, including quarterback, which landed him All-American honors.
Johnson alluded to the fact that making the transition from quarterback to tight end was one that was difficult but helped in his progression to the field this year.
"It was a big transition from staying in the pocket to being the guy that's protecting the quarterback," Johnson said. "You have to know what is going on at all times as a quarterback. As a tight end, you have to know your routes and your protections. It helped a lot. On these routes, I have to know what the other guys are doing."
Johnson has made the transition appear seamless as he has brought in 11 catches for 140 yards this year, including his first ever touchdown grab late in the game against the Cavaliers.
Johnson has also embraced the part of his position that does not appear on stat sheets or box scores – blocking.
"Blocking gets me pumped up. When I don't get the ball, I take it out on whoever I'm blocking."
After this past Saturday's game, head coach Jeff Brohm is hopeful to include Johnson more into the gameplan in the coming weeks of ACC play.
"[Jamari Johnson] has a lot of potential and a lot of talent," Brohm said. "We like what he has done. [Tight ends] are very important to us as we analyze ways to get them the ball."
Johnson and the offense will look to continue their winning ways on Saturday when they face the No. 6 Miami Hurricanes at home. The game can be seen on ABC starting at 12 p.m. ET.
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