WR Nykeim Johnson transferring to Kent St

[MSOrange]

I think he was going to be replaced at the slot.

Good luck to him, really hope for his sake a good team needs a punt returner. I don't think he much cracks the WR rotation of a winning team.

You are probably right, but I'm curious if the 2018 version of himself can show up again with the right fit.

 

[721Comstock]

Im guessing the player wanting to leave. IMO we have better pieces to fill the WR position. He’s a great returner and probably wants a team that’ll guarantee him time at WR, whereas I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s not guaranteed here. The coaches clearly value him at returner and as a leader.

Might just be looking for a change of scenery, a chance to play on a consistently winning team, or other?

Whatever his reasons, he had a nice career here, we're thankful for his contributions, and wish him all the best!

 

[AngryOtto]

In Cam Jordan's case he wasn't even part of the team. In Nykiem's case I'd imagine it's his decision. I also imagine Gilbert is moving Harris to the slot and they're going with Courtney Jackson or JaVonte Williams as the 4th. Writing was maybe on the wall.

I expect to hear from Sharrod Johnson shortly to.

I agree unless they move s Johnson to D. He went there to fill a need at the end of the season.
Also see Thompson-bishop leaving.

 

[RF2044]

A loss, no matter how you cut it.

Proven receiver, above average special teams return guy [a welcome change, after years of primarily fair catches]. Best of luck to him, hate to see him go.

 

[TheCusian]

Highest compliment I can give a player: Rooting for you and I hope you don’t end up at a 2021 Syracuse opponent.

 

[upperdeck]

He was a solid returner, but as a punt returner he had as many bad moments as good ones.. He got deep a few times this yr though on some pass plays, but he couldnt really run routes or depend on his hands. A problem with many of our guys it seems.. Lutz probably has a higher end as a kickoff guy since he has a little more wiggle and a bit harder to tackle..

 

[Cusefan69]

Best of luck to the young man! He definitely had some great moments on the field for Syracuse. When healthy he definitely had another gear. Sorry to see him go and glad to hear he has his degree.

 

[Killdozer]

He is probably leaving due to all the fair catchers the coaching staff made him take. Especially on kickoffs, which is actually just crazy.

 

[Orangezoo]

Tough loss wish the best for the kid. Hopefully a healthy Jordan can add some muscle and take on some of Nykiems role as a slot /gadget guy. Should be decent competition on specials for the opening.

 

[upperdeck]

He is probably leaving due to all the fair catchers the coaching staff made him take. Especially on kickoffs, which is actually just crazy.

yea who wants the ball at the 25 when we can run it out to the 20 most of the time.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

inside scoop on why he’s leaving? Please share

He's going to go to a new school into a grad program. Back in the day, it was generally considered bad form to get a masters from the same school at which you got your bachelors.
Good on him to go someplace new.

 

[Killdozer]

yea who wants the ball at the 25 when we can run it out to the 20 most of the time.

How many times did we see a fair catch on a kickoff at the 5 yard line? SU was always behind when this happened. Yeah, let's take the ball out of one of the best return men in the ACC and hand it over to Rex.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

He is probably leaving due to all the fair catchers the coaching staff made him take. Especially on kickoffs, which is actually just crazy.

I estimate that was 0% of the reason for his decision.

 

[Bayside44]

yea who wants the ball at the 25 when we can run it out to the 20 most of the time.

The kickoff return seems to be the most penalized offensive play in sports.

 

[MadNY3]

This stinks. We are better with him in ‘21 than without.

That said, if I’m him, I head to a Mississippi State or Oklahoma St and bask in being in that (warm weather) setting for another two semesters. He’s earned the right to do whatever the hell he wants...

Now, curious what bigger-framed receiver we get in this portal trade.

 

[Briancuse]

Disappointing, we will need to find a receiver in the portal.

 

[OrangeDW]

He is probably leaving due to all the fair catchers the coaching staff made him take. Especially on kickoffs, which is actually just crazy.

SMH. Wow.

 

[Briancuse]

The kickoff return seems to be the most penalized offensive play in sports.

Unless you have a Devin Hester type returner your better off taking it at the 25, bad things happen on kick returns, penalties, injuries, fumbles, bad returns.

 

[Orangello]

Kudos on obtaining your degree ! Best of luck in all your future endeavors.

 

[GoSU96]

Disappointing, we will need to find a receiver in the portal.

why?

 

[upperdeck]

How many times did we see a fair catch on a kickoff at the 5 yard line? SU was always behind when this happened. Yeah, let's take the ball out of one of the best return men in the ACC and hand it over to Rex.

but you dont get it at the 5 so why does it matter..

 

[SkyTopBus44]

Are there going to be anymore disappointments like this?

Many fans aren’t going to flinch at this one because he had an average career as a WR, but he was an excellent punt returner. Likely the 2nd best we’ve had in 20+ years.

A distant second to Quinton Spotwood...I am emphasizing the 20plus

 

[PhatOrange]

You are probably right, but I'm curious if the 2018 version of himself can show up again with the right fit.

I didn't see any difference between the 2020 version and the 2018 version.

We'd be better off with him returning and being a part of our team, but he's replaceable with the guys behind him.

 

[orangepassion]

In Cam Jordan's case he wasn't even part of the team. In Nykiem's case I'd imagine it's his decision. I also imagine Gilbert is moving Harris to the slot and they're going with Courtney Jackson or JaVonte Williams as the 4th. Writing was maybe on the wall.

This. Dino has talked about getting bigger in the slot for a while. I'm sure Nykeim didn't want to hang around to be a Punt returner. This may be a sign of seeing a lot more Taj in the slot, which will be good for him.
Will miss Nykeim-One of our most explosive players the last few years.

 

[PhatOrange]

A distant second to Quinton Spotwood...I am emphasizing the 20plus

Johnson is a darn good punt returner but made some questionable decisions at times.

In recent memory I would take Brisly Estime over Johnson. Jamel Riddle was also a good one in the last 20. I don't even know who returned punts for Gump.