UTSA Adds Graduate Transfer QB Jared Johnson from SHSU

With the Roadrunners currently working their way through spring practices with just three quarterbacks on the roster, UTSA was in desperate need of some quality depth at the quarterback position. Frank Wilson and his staff were able to secure a major commitment to resolve those woes as former Sam Houston State quarterback Jared Johnson will be transferring to UTSA to join the team in the fall at which time he will immediately be eligible to play for one season.

Jared Johnson, grad transfer QB from Sam Houston State, will transfer to #UTSA. More coming.

— BirdsUp.com (@UTSARivals) April 10, 2016

Johnson's resume is impressive. The South Grand Prairie product passed for 5,352 yards and 39 touchdowns in his time in Huntsville, adding 1601 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. The 2015 Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year recorded a 21-9 record as SHSU's QB.

The dual-threat athlete put up staggering numbers in Phil Longo's offense at SHSU but he also endured both physical and mental adversity. Johnson lost his starting role to Jeremiah Briscoe in the FCS playoffs after Johnson suffered an ankle injury. Briscoe played well enough to retain the starting role throughout the remainder of the FCS playoffs.

Given Johnson's late struggles, I think it's presumptuous to anticipate the SHSU transfer to be expected to start for UTSA since he's missing valuable practice reps with the team this spring. With that being said, Vernon Adams has proven that FCS star quarterbacks can successfully make the jump to FBS despite missing spring practices.

Incumbent starter Dalton Sturm has reportedly played well throughout the spring so Johnson should have quite a fight on his hands once he gets to campus. Regardless of whether or not Johnson sees starting snaps, it's a great move for all parties as Johnson will bring serious competition and experience to the quarterback position for the Roadrunners. The addition of Johnson also ensures that freshmen quarterbacks Manny Harris, Jaylon Henderson, and Clay Roberts will not be rushed into action until they're ready to play.