Bryan Harsin address Ja'Varrius Johnson's decision to nearly transfer

Auburn Tigers head football coach Bryan Harsin has seen plenty of players exiting the program via the transfer portal this season and offseason. However, in a surprising turn of events, wide receiver Ja’Varrius Johnson, who entered the transfer portal back in January, has elected to return to the team.

Needless to say, Harsin is thrilled to have one of his better playmakers from last year on the outside back with the team. On Monday, the Auburn football coach had this say on the return of Johnson.

“Var was very productive last year. Should’ve been more productive, and could’ve been… To get him back out there, it gives more experience to the wide receiver room,” said Harsin.

In his first season with the Tigers, Johnson showed what made him such an exciting recruit. The Auburn wide receiver caught 19 passes on the season, amassing 274 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, he ran the ball twice on the season, gaining 59 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Before joining Auburn, the four-star recruit was offered by other SEC schools, like Mississippi State and Kentucky.

Former Auburn tight end lands in New York

Just one month after playing in the Super Bowl for the Cincinnati Bengals, former Auburn Tigers star CJ Uzomah is headed to New York after coming to terms with the Jets on a new contract. He will sign a three-year deal worth $24 million, per Ian Rapoport.

Uzomah had a solid season with the Bengals in 2021, catching 49 of the 63 balls Joe Burrow threw his way for 493 yards and 5 touchdowns. He was even more productive during Cincinnati’s playoff run, catching 15 passes (on 18 targets) for 146 yards and 1 touchdown. On his career, Uzomah has had 163 receptions for 1,591 yards and 13 touchdowns. His 2021 numbers were career highs in nearly every major category.

The 6-foot-6 tight end overcame an MCL sprain in the AFC championship game to even play in Super Bowl LVI, which is a testament of his resiliency, and is reportedly a popular locker room presence. Add in the fact that Uzomah tore his Achilles during the 2020 season, and to come back and have a season like he did speaks volumes to who he is on and off the field.