LSU Football: Why 2015 Signee Tyron Johnson Will Shine for Tigers

LSU 2015 signee Tyron Johnson will be the next great receiver in Baton Rouge. 

LSU is not necessarily known for its receivers, but it should be. The Tigers have produced top-flight pass-catchers every season in the Les Miles era, despite inconsistent quarterback play.

Johnson chose LSU over sexier passing attacks such as Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. His signature was a big reason why the Tigers finished with the No. 5 class in the country. 

Johnson shared his excitement about officially becoming a Tiger last week on Twitter:

"

Signing day was a success ❗️🐯🏈 pic.twitter.com/bYvHLWWCCJ

— Tyron Johnson (@_TBJ13) February 5, 2015"

Miles shared the importance of nabbing Johnson at his national signing day press conference, per James Moran of Tiger Rag:

"

Les: "Tyron Johnson fills a big need at WR. Big, tough physical... His signing sends a message to the guys in this state." #LSU

— James Moran (@SmartestMoran) February 4, 2015"

Johnson is a fluid 6'1'' playmaker who played his high school ball at Warren Easton Charter High School in New Orleans. He will help transform the LSU passing attack by his presence on the field alone.  

Johnson's raw playmaking ability and LSU's illustrious history with elite pass-catchers are two big reasons why he will be a future Tigers star. 

The Johnson File

	Rec.	Yards	TD's
2012	15	254	2
2013	87	1,433	17
2014	94	1,589	17
Total	196	3,276	36

Simply put, Johnson has few weaknesses as a receiver. 

The first thing that pops out on Johnson's tape is how easy the game comes to him. He weaves through traffic once the ball is in his hands. His effort running routes to get open is also admirable. 

Johnson has good, but not great, size. He also does not posses blazing speed. But neither did former 5-star prospect Jarvis Landry, who was one of Miles' best receivers ever.

SB Nation's Bud Elliott raves about Johnson's catch versatility:

"

Johnson makes a number of excellent catches in traffic and in the red zone by controlling his body, gaining the positioning advantage over the defender, timing his jump, and snatching the football aggressively with his hands, never letting the ball get into his chest plate. That's a set of skills that produces first downs, and in the red zone, touchdowns.

"

Johnson's high school statistics were fantastic, especially considering coverages were shaded his way. He led Warren Easton to the Class 4A State Championship Game, where they lost by one.

Johnson also could not be stopped at Nike's preseason invitational "The Opening." Though they did not wear pads, he shredded the nation's best defensive backs in 7-on-7 competitions. 

History

Miles' has hit the jackpot with 5-star receivers in the past. Johnson is the fifth 5-star receiver Miles has had at LSU, per Rivals.com. 

Three of Miles' 5-star receivers included Landry, Terrence Toliver and Rueben Randle. All three of these pass-catchers turned out to be studs. 

The other is Malachi Dupre, who will be entering his sophomore season in Baton Rouge. Dupre looked the part in the 2014 season, as he reeled in 14 catches for 318 yards and five touchdowns. 

The bust rate for Johnson is low. His tape, and overall attitude, shows Miles' perfect record for 5-star pass-catchers will continue.

The Future

Johnson's college career has hit an early road bump. Receivers coach Adam Henry has left to coach the same position for the San Francisco 49ers, per The Advocate's Ross Dellenger. Henry was Johnson's primary recruiter. 

Johnson was disappointed in the news but said he must move on, per James Smith of The Times-Picayune:

"

 I have a lot of love and respect for Adam Henry, but I signed up to play for LSU, not just Coach Henry. After talking to Coach Cam (Cameron) and Coach Frank (Wilson), they've told me not to panic.

They'll find the right guy and that this is the world of college football. Coaches change schools all the time and that I represent the university. We're all on the same page now.

"

LSU's next receiving coach will play a vital role in the receivers' development. With that said, the group is so gifted that Henry's replacement will not have too much work to do. 

Johnson's productivity will heavily rely on the development of the quarterback position. The Tigers need Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris to become better players so the talent at their disposal does not go to waste. 

Jennings and Harris' growth is out of Johnson's control. His involvement in the offense as a true freshman will come down to him making an impact once he steps on campus in the summer.

Travin Dural, LSU's leading receiver in receptions, yards and touchdowns last season, will return as the No. 1 option. Dupre will likely play opposite him in most offensive formations.

The No. 3 option, though, will be open for competition. John Diarse and Trey Quinn split time there in 2014, with Diarse getting most of the snaps to close the year. It is not unreasonable for Johnson to eventually win the job. 

Johnson might not light the world on fire in his first season. Nevertheless, he will eventually become a NFL-level playmaker. 

Stats, rankings and additional information provided by cfbstats.com, ESPN.com and LSUsports.net. Recruiting information provided by 247Sports.

Quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow me on Twitter at @CarterthePower.