• OSU receiver Tyron Johnson declares for NFL Draft,
Less than an hour after gaining the commitment of a high school running back on Monday afternoon, Oklahoma State lost a starting receiver.
Redshirt junior Tyron Johnson posted on Twitter that he would be leaving OSU early to enter the NFL Draft. Monday was the final day underclassmen could declare for the draft.
“I cannot say goodbye without first saying thank you,” Johnson wrote. “I am forever thankful for Oklahoma State and every amazing member of the Cowboys community.”
He thanked Mike Gundy, receivers coach Kasey Dunn and strength coach Rob Glass for “teaching me lessons on and off the field,” he said. “I have prayerfully decided to pursue my childhood dream and humbly ask for your support on this journey!”
Johnson, a former fivestar recruit who transferred to OSU from LSU, emerged this past season with 845 yards and seven touchdowns on 53 catches, second on the team behind Tylan Wallace in all three categories.
He finished the season strong, with 32 receptions for 440 yards and four touchdowns in the final five games.
The 6-foot-1, 193pound New Orleans native was named the offensive MVP of OSU’s Liberty Bowl victory over Missouri on Dec. 31 when he had 141 yards and two touchdowns on seven receptions.
He is the third OSU player to announce early entry into the NFL Draft this season, along with running back Justice Hill and defensive end Jordan Brailford.
Johnson’s announcement came not long after OSU picked up the commitment of Katy, Texas, four-star running back Deondrick Glass.
With only one opening in the 2019 recruiting class, and fourstar receiver Langston Anderson already signed, it is unlikely OSU will try to get another wideout. The Cowboys’ final spot is still likely to be dedicated to the defensive line.
Johnson’s departure leaves OSU returning three of its top four receivers, and opens the door for inexperienced but talented freshman outside receivers such as LC Greenwood, Braydon Johnson, C.J. Moore and Jonathan Shepherd, plus sophomore Patrick McKaufman, who is coming off August ACL surgery.