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Miami Freshman Profile: Jaquan Johnson

In an effort to keep even the most hardcore Miami fan up to date on their favorite players, SOTU will be running a Freshman Profile series. In these posts, our writers will profile UM's newcomers for 2015. That way, when the season get's here, you hopefully will have a new found love for the team on the field.

By Cameron J. Underwood
Jaquan Johnson, aka The Franchise, is one of the best recruits the Canes signed in 2015
Jaquan Johnson, aka The Franchise, is one of the best recruits the Canes signed in 2015
247Sports

Jaquan Johnson

Safety - 5'10" 185lbs - Killian HS, Miami, FL

One of the most heavily recruited players at his position in the 2015 class, Jaquan Johnson chose Miami over Florida, Florida State, Louisville, Clemson, Ole Miss and a host of others.

Getting Johnson to commit to Miami was one of the biggest recruiting wins of the 2015 cycle for Al Golden and company. Johnson is an Optimist and Dade County HS football legend, ending his career at Killian as one of only a handful of players to be named First Team All-Dade 4 times in High School. This pic was taken after his junior year:

In addition to those accolades, Johnson was a 3-time first team All-State player for Florida's 8A classification, as well as a U.S. Army All-American in 2015.

Put all of that together, and it's easy to see how Johnson earned the nickname "The Franchise".

Chance he redshirts 1-10 - 0

Yeah, I'm breaking the rules here, but I don't see any scenario where Johnson redshirts this year, short of injury.

Johnson has earned rave reviews since arriving on campus in January. Players (Brad Kaaya and Raphael Kirby most recently at ACC media days) and coaches alike have praised him for his work ethic, intellect, and performance. Even with him joining arguably  the deepest position on the team along with Dallas Crawford, Deon Bush, Jamal Carter, and a returning Rayshawn Jenkins, Johnson's ability will have him pushing for PT early on in his freshman year.

And even if he doesn't see time in base defense situations, Johnson can be a valuable weapon on special teams as he gets his bearings in the world of College Football.

Summary: Jaquan Johnson comes to campus as a highly decorated recruit, and he will continue to excel at Miami. Even with his youth, he will push his way onto the field this year, much in the same way that Brad Kaaya did last year.

Watch the film. Take notes. This kid is a superstar, plain and simple.

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