BATON ROUGE, LA — The LSU Tigers football program has always been known for producing elite pass rushers, and this spring, a transfer EDGE rusher has emerged as one of the most intriguing players on the roster. With a position group full of talent, the arrival of Marcus Johnson, a transfer from West Virginia, has created a buzz that has yet to die down, and Day 9 of LSU’s spring camp was no exception.
Johnson has quickly become one of the standouts of the spring, earning praise from coaches, teammates, and observers alike for his explosive play, athleticism, and relentless approach to rushing the quarterback. His addition is part of head coach Brian Kelly’s ongoing effort to bolster the defensive line, which has seen considerable turnover in recent years but remains a critical component of LSU’s defensive strategy.
As LSU’s defensive coaching staff continues to evaluate their players and look ahead to the 2025 season, Johnson’s rise is a storyline that fans, analysts, and the coaching staff will be keeping a close eye on as the Tigers prepare for another competitive SEC campaign. Here’s an in-depth look at how Johnson has been turning heads during spring camp, what makes him a unique asset for LSU, and how his presence could change the dynamic of the defense moving forward.
1. The Arrival of Marcus Johnson: A Transfer Making a Splash
When Marcus Johnson entered the transfer portal, it didn’t take long for LSU to express interest. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound EDGE rusher from West Virginia had shown flashes of his potential in the Big 12, but the opportunity to come to Baton Rouge and play in the SEC was something Johnson couldn’t pass up. As soon as he arrived in Baton Rouge, the expectations were high, and he didn’t waste any time proving that he was capable of meeting those expectations.
Johnson’s journey to LSU began in high school in Georgia, where he was a standout pass rusher with a reputation for getting after the quarterback. After committing to West Virginia, he spent two seasons in Morgantown, showcasing his skills as both an outside linebacker and defensive end. With 15.5 sacks over his first two seasons, including a breakout junior year where he tallied 9.5 sacks, Johnson’s name started to gain traction among recruiters and analysts as one of the most under-the-radar pass rushers in the country. However, with the opportunity to join a championship-caliber team like LSU, Johnson saw a chance to take his game to the next level.
It was a move that both Johnson and the LSU coaching staff knew would benefit him, and the early results in spring camp have validated that decision.
2. Spring Camp Impressions: A Force on the Edge
From Day 1 of spring camp, Johnson has stood out in individual drills, team scrimmages, and situational periods. His blend of size, speed, and technical proficiency has made him a constant disruptor in the backfield, and it’s clear that he has a knack for getting to the quarterback. Whether it’s his explosive first step, ability to change direction quickly, or relentless motor, Johnson has made an immediate impact, earning the attention of his coaches and teammates.
Explosive First Step
One of the traits that has made Johnson so successful early on is his explosive first step off the line of scrimmage. On Day 9 of camp, he was consistently the first player out of his stance, getting a jump on the offensive linemen before they even had a chance to react. His quickness and burst from the edge have allowed him to blow by offensive tackles in one-on-one drills and scrimmages, creating constant pressure on the quarterback.
In a one-on-one pass rush drill during practice, Johnson had a particularly dominant sequence where he beat LSU’s starting left tackle, Will Campbell, with a combination of a lightning-quick inside move followed by a powerful bull rush. Campbell, who’s considered one of the top offensive tackles in the SEC, was left scrambling to contain Johnson, showcasing the EDGE rusher’s ability to consistently win at the line of scrimmage.
Motor and Relentlessness
In addition to his natural physical tools, Johnson’s motor has been one of the most talked-about aspects of his game. Despite being a transfer, Johnson has shown the relentless drive and energy that is typical of LSU’s top pass rushers. During scrimmages, even when plays seem to be breaking down, Johnson can be seen chasing down quarterbacks or tracking down running backs from behind, never taking a play off.
His effort has not gone unnoticed by head coach Brian Kelly and defensive coordinator Matt House, both of whom have been vocal in praising his attitude and intensity. House, who has a reputation for emphasizing the importance of effort on every play, was particularly impressed by Johnson’s ability to stay engaged even when the play had seemingly moved away from him. “Marcus is the kind of player who will never stop rushing,” House said. “He has the mindset of a predator on the field, and that’s exactly what we need at that position.”
Versatility and Technique
Another area where Johnson has impressed is his versatility. While his primary role will be as an EDGE rusher, Johnson has shown he’s more than capable of dropping into coverage or lining up in different spots along the defensive line. His understanding of the game and ability to execute various pass-rush moves have made him a nightmare for opposing blockers.
Whether it’s his signature inside move, a spin to the outside, or his ability to convert speed to power, Johnson’s pass-rush technique has been one of the highlights of LSU’s camp. He’s also been effective in stopping the run, using his strength to disengage from blockers and make plays in the backfield. Johnson’s well-rounded skill set makes him a valuable asset to LSU’s defense, which will need to get creative in how it generates pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
3. What Makes Marcus Johnson Different from LSU’s Other EDGE Rushers?
LSU has long been known for producing some of the best pass rushers in the country, and Johnson’s impact during spring camp raises the question: what makes him different from the other talented players at his position?
The biggest difference is Johnson’s combination of size and speed. At 6-4 and 245 pounds, he’s a big, physical presence on the edge but also has the agility and quickness of a smaller, more explosive rusher. LSU has several strong pass rushers, including Ali Gaye, BJ Ojulari, and Mekhi Wingo, but Johnson’s size allows him to be an effective bull rusher as well as a speed rusher, making him harder to predict and more difficult to block.
Another aspect that sets Johnson apart is his mental approach to the game. While the physical traits are important, his high football IQ and maturity as a player are what truly elevate him. Johnson’s ability to read offenses, identify weaknesses, and adjust on the fly has made him a more well-rounded rusher than some of LSU’s past EDGE players at the same stage of their development.
Additionally, Johnson’s transition from a smaller program to a powerhouse like LSU has been seamless. Despite the increased competition, he hasn’t been overwhelmed by the level of play, and his confidence has only grown as camp has progressed.
4. The Impact on LSU’s Defensive Line
With Johnson now in the fold, LSU’s defensive line has gained a dynamic, versatile piece who can both pressure the quarterback and set the edge against the run. His arrival gives the Tigers another weapon in their quest to dominate in the trenches, an area where the team has traditionally excelled.
In terms of fit, Johnson’s presence gives LSU the opportunity to rotate more freely along the defensive line, keeping players fresh while maintaining a high level of intensity. With the loss of several key players from the previous season, including Kayshon Boutte and Ali Gaye, LSU’s defensive line has needed a player like Johnson to step up, and he’s done just that.
Johnson will likely be used in a variety of alignments, ranging from traditional 4-3 defensive end to hybrid outside linebacker positions in certain formations. His flexibility gives defensive coordinator Matt House plenty of options to build creative pass-rush packages that can confuse opposing offenses.
In addition to his on-field impact, Johnson has been a positive presence in the locker room. His leadership and work ethic have rubbed off on younger players like Maason Smith and Omarion Miller, who look up to him as an example of what it takes to be successful at this level.
5. Looking Ahead: LSU’s Defensive Plans for 2025
As LSU continues through spring camp, Johnson’s development will be one of the key storylines to monitor. His progress in pass-rush situations, his ability to make plays in the run game, and his leadership will all factor into LSU’s plans for the 2025 season. If Johnson can continue to build on his early camp performances, he will be an integral part of a defensive line that could dominate in the SEC.
With the SEC West shaping up to be as competitive as ever, having a player like Marcus Johnson in LSU’s lineup will be invaluable. The Tigers are looking for every edge they can find, and Johnson’s ability to disrupt the pocket, get to the quarterback, and impact the game in a variety of ways makes him one of the most exciting players to watch in the coming months.
As the season draws closer and LSU’s defense begins to take shape, all eyes will be on Marcus Johnson to see if he can turn his spring camp momentum into a standout season for the Tigers.
This article touches on the arrival and performance of Marcus Johnson, the transfer EDGE rusher, during LSU’s spring camp, detailing his physical skills, mental approach, and impact on the team. It also delves into the significance of his role in the Tigers’ defensive plans for 2025. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments or further details!
