Brian Kelly updates the timetable for JK Johnson's rehab process

For the second consecutive season, Brian Kelly dipped into the NCAA transfer portal to patch up the secondary. LSU was able to land JK Johnson out of Ohio State but before things ever got started, the defensive back suffered an injury. Johnson is going to be out for a lengthy period of time, likely missing the entire 2023 regular season.

Kelly says if Johnson does play this season, the earliest would be in December. Meaning, the SEC Championship could be a possibility if LSU gets there. If not, a bowl game could be a possibility if the rehab process goes well for Jackson.

“That’s a long-term injury,” Kelly said during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference. “His surgery was successful but any chance of getting him back would be sometime in December. Maybe later. So, I think that’s what we’re looking at right now.”

Johnson suffered a leg fracture during fall camp and was viewed likely as a season-ending injury from the beginning.

“JK has a fracture,” Kelly said shortly after the injury was sustained. “That’s got to get set. That looks to be a long-term situation that he’s going to be out.”

Johnson had spent two seasons with Ohio State, originally being a member of the 2021 recruiting class. He was the No. 54 overall recruit, according to the On3 Industry Rankings, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

During those two years in Columbus, Johnson appeared in 15 games, making five starts against Big Ten opponents. All but two of his 22 career tackles came during the 2022 season, being a contributor for Ohio State as they made a run to the College Football Playoff. However, Johnson decided to move back into SEC country and will eventually play for a familiar face.

Johnson entered the portal in early January but the decision to commit to LSU was not too difficult. Cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples was Johnson’s high school head coach at DeSmet High in St. Louis, MO. The two are now back together in Baton Rouge with Johnson having three more years of eligibility.

Hopefully, the recovery continues to go well and Johnson can get back with the team sooner rather than later. At the very least, he could be ready for the beginning of the 2024 season. Kelly knows his secondary is going to need the help and Johnson was brought in to fix some issues.