Speedy Canes running back, offensive lineman set to enter transfer portal
The college football transfer portal doesn’t open for business until next week, but two more Hurricanes are making plans to leave. Hours after offensive lineman Antonio Tripp announced he’s entering the portal, On3.com reported that running back Chris Johnson Jr. also will enter the portal. Earlier this week, UM quarterback Reese Poffenbarger also disclosed plans to enter the portal. Johnson, one of the fastest players on UM’s roster, played only 27 offensive snaps this season and had six carries (for 31 yards) and eight receptions for 72 yards.
As a freshman last season, he had 11 carries for 73 yards (a 6.6 average). Johnson, who attended Fort Lauderdale Dillard, was ranked by 247 Sports as the 25th-best running back in the 2023 class and was widely considered one of the fastest running backs in the country. He won gold as a junior at Florida’s 3A track meet in both the 100 and 200-meter dashes.
But with the Hurricanes, he was behind Damien Martinez, Mark Fletcher Jr., Jordan Lyle and Ajay Allen on the depth chart. All four of those running backs have eligibility remaining. Tripp, also a second-year player, played only 10 offensive snaps this season and none since September. Tripp, who redshirted as a freshman in 2023, attended IMG Academy in Bradenton and was rated by 247 Sports as the 28th best interior line prospect in the 2023 class.
