Auburn transfer WR Ja’Varrius Johnson sets Michigan State football visit

Michigan State football will be hosting one of the most sought-after receivers in the transfer portal from Auburn.

The spring transfer portal window opened on Tuesday and the shuffling of rosters has begun.  Teams are looking to fill specific needs, add depth, and bolster their rosters heading into the summer sessions while players are looking to find better fits. Michigan State football coach Jonathan Smith took over back in November and the new staff has made it clear they are looking to add a wide receiver via the transfer portal.

At first, the staff received a commitment from Purdue transfer TJ Sheffield back in December but the wide-out never enrolled and eventually de-committed. With the need for a portal receiver back on the table, Jonathan Smith and his staff are fishing the spring transfer window for that final wideout spot.

It was reported on Wednesday by Pete Nakos of On3 that Auburn transfer receiver Ja’Varrius Johnson has scheduled a visit to East Lansing for next week.

Auburn transfer wide receiver Ja’Varrius Johnson has scheduled visits to Arizona and Michigan State, @agent__OG tells @On3sports.

The former four-star took a visit to UCF last week. He has 1,114 career receiving yards on 64 catches with 8 TDs.

Details: https://t.co/OUbeSFviAy pic.twitter.com/UNtqYXKNij

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) April 17, 2024

Johnson was part of Auburn’s 2019 recruiting class and was ranked as an industry composite four-star recruit coming out of college. Although his offer sheet is weaker than the typical SEC wide receiver, Johnson logged 1,114 rec yards, 64 catches, and eight touchdowns in three seasons as a Tiger.

With a smaller frame coming out of high school, Johnson could probably still afford to add a little weight. Measuring in at 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds, Johnson’s strengths come in the form of route running and accumulating yards after the catch.

Reading up and watching highlights, I get Alante ‘Cadillac’ Brown vibes – a smaller receiver who is shifty and quick.

Obviously the staff doesn’t feel comfortable going into the fall with the current lack of depth at receiver on the roster. They will look to add Johnson alongside the likes of Montorie Foster, Jaron Glover, and freshman Nick Marsh.

Keep an eye on this and expect MSU to pull in a transfer receiver before the summer.