Canes add former Tennessee OLB as grad transfer

Saturday was a long-awaited day for Canes fans as they longed for the final decision of five-star LB Terrence Lewis out of Miami Central High. The highly-heralded linebacker chose the Maryland cap but the Canes had a backup plan.

Let’s go work pic.twitter.com/mI15wkg8AR

— Deandre Johnson (@dreday_17) January 3, 2021

That backup plan was Deandre Johnson. Johnson is a former linebacker at Tennessee who entered the transfer portal just 5 days ago after earning his degree and on Saturday, he announced his intentions to grad transfer to Miami. The 6’3”, 255-pound Johnson will most likely play defensive end in Coral Gables because he used to play outside linebacker in Tennessee’s 3-4 defense while the Canes run a 4-3. 

DeAndre Johnson is a good pickup to help replace Jaelan Phillips on that DL. Listed as a LB by UT, he’ll be a defensive end for us (probably LE opposite Harvey). He’s shown some legit passrush skills, but he’s also a high character/effort player who knows how to keep the edge. pic.twitter.com/rnDB3snmfN

— Canes Legacy (@CanesLegacy) January 3, 2021

As a Volunteer, Johnson played in 40 games and started 9 and this past season, he compiled 28 tackles with 4.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. 

Johnson is actually a Miami native, as he attended Miami Killian for his first three years of high school before transferring to Miami Southridge. 

As you may know, the addition of Johnson is huge not just because of Lewis’ decision, but also because of two reasons: veteran leadership and depth. 

The Canes have a lot of young talent in their linebacker and defensive line rooms. Along with the task of having to replace three great defensive ends in Jaelan Phillips, Greg Rousseau, and Quincy Roche, there’s also a good chance they lose 2-3 linebackers should they transfer out. To add a great veteran presence like Johnson who’s played in arguably the best conference in college football while having local ties to a lot of Miami’s current players, it’s a great fit. 

I’m not going to boast and say that Johnson will for sure have the kind of impact that Phillips and Roche had as transfers, but this is still a homecoming of some sorts and he will definitely have a great opportunity to make a huge impact next season, starting with Miami’s season opener against Alabama. 

Keep it locked with @PaulAustria_ and @SixthRingCanes on Twitter for the latest in Miami Hurricanes news and recruiting. 

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