The SMU transfer is winning over the Tigers’ coaching staff by pairing elite explosiveness with a fearless approach to pass protection and a high football IQ.
Chris Johnson Jr.'s speed was never much of a secret at SMU.
Neither is his toughness at Clemson.
Johnson transferred from SMU to Clemson in January with the kind of explosiveness that didn't require much explanation. He averaged 7.1 yards per carry during his lone season with the Mustangs.
But speed alone isn't going to earn a running back every snap he wants.
Sometimes, he's going to have to block somebody.
And that's where Johnson has started earning coach Dabo Swinney's trust.
"CJ is not as big as the other guys, but he's as tough as anybody we've got," Swinney told the Greenville News. "That kid's got no fear. I mean, he'll stick his face mask in there. He's gotta protect. Ain't gonna make a living in pass protection, but he can get it done when he needs to."
Johnson doesn't exactly have much left to prove when it comes to creating explosive plays.
The former Mustang appeared in 12 games for SMU in 2025, rushing 67 times for 479 yards and four touchdowns. He even gave Clemson a preview before joining the Tigers, rushing six times for 59 yards and a touchdown while adding four catches for 40 yards against them last season.
So, Clemson knew Johnson could run.
Now, Swinney is learning what else he can do.
Johnson spent two seasons at Miami before transferring to SMU, then made another move when he enrolled at Clemson in January. He's now competing for touches in a backfield that also features sophomore Gideon Davidson, who rushed 60 times for 260 yards as a true freshman in 2025 and added 11 catches for 93 yards.
Davidson has noticed Johnson, too.
"A whole lot of speed, for sure," Davidson told the Greenville News. "Even when you're watching film, it's kind of like, 'Wow.' He's got really fast feet. He just hits the hole and takes off. It's impressive."
Again … the speed isn't exactly breaking news.
But Davidson said Johnson's confidence has grown since the spring, while his understanding of Clemson's offense has allowed him to take on more leadership.
"He's very smart," Davidson said. "He's getting this stuff down as easily as anybody else. It's allowed him to take a lot of leadership."
Johnson arrived at Clemson because he could make plays.
If he keeps proving he can handle everything else that comes with the job … Swinney might have a hard time keeping him off the field.
