Report: QB Chris Johnson transferring from Baylor to Houston
Chris Johnson will reportedly leave Baylor.
According to SicEmSports.com, Johnson plans to transfer to Houston after graduating from BU this summer. If those plans come to fruition, he will have two years of eligibility remaining for the Cougars and can compete immediately.
On Chris Johnson leaving #Baylor: Graduating from #Baylor this summer. Got his release. Going to #Houston. 2 years to play. Expected Y/TE.
— SicEmSports (@SicEmSports) June 25, 2016
Johnson was thrust into the spotlight late in the 2015 when Baylor’s top two quarterbacks, Seth Russell and Jarrett Stidham, went down with injuries. His first career start came in a huge game at TCU and he struggled, completing only 7-of-24 passes for 62 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the pouring rain as the Bears lost 28-21 in double overtime.
Johnson started again the following week against Texas, but he too was injured, forcing Baylor to go with its fourth-string quarterback in another loss. Johnson returned from a concussion to start the Russell Athletic Bowl against North Carolina (a 49-38 win), but the Bears relied mainly on a ground game using direct snaps to skill position players.
Johnson, who finished the season with 302 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions on 22-of-50 throwing along with 116 yards and a score rushing, was moved to wide receiver (Baylor listed him as “WR/TE”) during spring practice. It appears he will stay in a skill position role at UH, with SicEmSports reporting he will play tight end.
Utility man Chris Johnson, Baylor's 3-game starter at QB last year, working at outside WR with No. 2 offense.
— Max Olson (@max_olson) April 2, 2016
Johnson has experience on the outside. After Stidham beat him out for the No. 2 quarterback role coming out of preseason camp, Johnson played wide receiver and caught three passes for 37 yards. At 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, he certainly has the size to play the position.
And while signees and recruits have been fleeing Baylor after the firing of Art Briles, this move for Johnson, on the surface, looks like it could be more of a playing-time decision. Russell and Stidham are both healthy and ready to play for the Bears and the team has a bevy of skill position players challenging for playing time. The depth chart at Houston could be more favorable for Johnson.
For more Baylor news, visit SicEmSports.com.
For more Houston news, visit CougarsDen.com.
- - - - - - -
Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
