The UCLA Bruins have further bolstered their defensive secondary with the addition of former Indiana cornerback Jamier Johnson, who announced his commitment to the program via social media on Tuesday. Johnson’s decision comes shortly after an official visit to the campus over the weekend.
Johnson’s collegiate career includes stints with the Texas Longhorns for his first two years, followed by two seasons with the Indiana Hoosiers. Now, with one remaining year of eligibility, he will seek a starting role at his second Big Ten school. He entered the transfer portal in late January before ultimately choosing to join the Bruins.
UCLA Bruins Nab Local DB Jamier Johnson From Indiana
In 2024, Johnson recorded a career-high performance during his first full season of action in four years. He tallied 35 total tackles, 25 of which were solo, and secured one interception. He allowed 34 catches on 51 targets, allowing a total of 351 yards, but only 77 yards after the catch (YAC). He contributed to the Hoosiers’ successful 2024 season, where they achieved a 13-1 record and earned a College Football Playoff appearance for the first time in program history.
Greg Biggins of 247 Sports expects Johnson to be a Day 3 NFL Draft pick once he leaves college comparing him to Chidobe Awuzie, writing “Long, athletic corner with the kind of length colleges covet these days. Shows the ability to play some receiver as well but his upside is highest in the secondary. Has good cover instincts and can turn and run with a receiver without needing to clutch and grab. Will need to fill out some and get stronger but shows physicality in run support. Is smooth and the game just looks easy for him. Could see him transition to safety because of his range and ability to make plays on the football.”
Adding to the appeal for Johnson is the fact that he is a Pasadena native, meaning he will have the opportunity to play his final year of college football close to home.
As a former four-star recruit with significant collegiate experience, Johnson is expected to integrate seamlessly into UCLA’s experienced secondary group. His proven ability to perform at a high level for a top Big Ten team, combined with the confidence instilled in him by the coaching staff, should prove to be a valuable asset.
Last season, the UCLA Bruins finished 12th among the 18 Big 10 schools in Pro Football Focus’s coverage grade. Whereas Indiana came up fourth. Johnson played almost exclusively as wide corner, splitting time between the left and right sides.
Over the offseason, the Bruins have been proactive in addressing their secondary through the transfer portal, securing commitments from several experienced players. These additions include former Miami (FL) cornerback Robert Stafford, former Utah Tech cornerback Scooter Jackson, former Ole Miss safety Key Lawrence, former Louisville safeties Aaron Williams and Ben Perry, former Oregon State cornerback Andre Jordan Jr., former UCF safety Bryon Threats, and former Arizona State safety Cole Martin.
The Bruins did recently hire former Indiana offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri as a member of their coaching staff this season, which may have played a role in Johnson’s decision to commit to UCLA Bruins.