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Christopher Johnson has signed with Miami, gives Hurricanes an “an Alvin Kamara back” and says "we have the best class"

On3 imageby:Matt Shodell•12/21/22•

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(photo via Christopher Johnson)

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The University of Miami has landed a speedy playmaking running back in this year’s class. Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) Dillard High School RB Christopher Johnson, Jr., who won state titles in the 100 and 200, is confirmed signing with the Hurricanes in a major addition to the class.

Johnson first landed a Miami offer May 18, his 28th offer.

He chose Miami over Ole Miss and Clemson and committed following an official visit the weekend of Dec. 9. And now he’s confirmed signing with UM. After signing he told CaneSport that he believes UM “has the best class” in the nation.

“Coach (Mario) Cristobal is a great coach, and I believe in him and I believe he can flip the program around,” Johnson said. “Coach (Kevin) Smith is a great mentor and a great running back coach. He’s everything you can ask for from a coaching standpoint.”

A big factor for Johnson wasn’t just staying home, or playing with former teammate/good friend Nyjalik Kelly.

It was his Canes recruitment by Smith. It was the running backs coach that first gave Johnson the UM offer and built a strong bond with him.

“We keep it real,” Johnson said. “He said he’d love to have me at Miami, that I can do big things there. … He’s a good coach, I can learn from him.”

Antoine Jackson (left) and Christopher Johnson

A former Rutgers commitment, most of Johnson’s family are Canes fans, which certainly didn’t hurt … although his father is a Florida State fan. There’s also this tie: Johnson’s cousin is former Cane WR Mike Harley.

And there’s this, simply put: “It’s my hometown,” Johnson said.

Yes, he will now be putting on in front of friends and family staying close to home.

“I’m going to work,” he said. “I’m going to always be the hardest worker. I’m not worrying about competition.”

Johnson’s ON3 Scouting Summary describes him as “State champion sprinter who is a threat to score as soon as he steps between the lines. Wiry build who lacks an ideal frame to carry additional weight. Measures in at 5-foot-11, 170 pounds with a 9.5-inch hand. Can take the top off of the defense with ease. The definition of a burner. One of the fastest sprinters in the country running a 10.45 100m, 20.73 200m and a 51.80 400m during his junior track and field campaign. Not the most natural receiver of the football, can slap at the ball a bit. Needs to polish hands in order to become a more complete receiver at the next level. Projects to be a lethal role player at the next level but can expand this role if he can develop a broader route tree and clean up his pass catching prowess. NFL upside on speed alone.”

His coach’s take?

That Johnson, Jr. gives the Miami Hurricanes an Alvin Kamara-like talent.

“To me he’s an Alvin Kamara back, definitely, will probably be around the same size,” Dillard coach Tyler Tate said. “Once he gets to college, in a weight program, he’ll be about 6-0, 195 or 200 pounds.

“He can do everything, is a slasher, very fast, quick and explosive. He can play slot receiver, also outside receiver, catch the ball out of the backfield. He has high versatility, different ways you can use him.

“He can do everything on the football field.”

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