The return
One of the worst feelings an athlete can experience is being sidelined due to injury, especially when their team goes 2-2 on the season.
The Sun Devils were hoping to have defensive lineman Amiri Johnson as a key player in their lineup, but Johnson missed the entire 2020-2021 season because of a groin injury.
His absence led way for his younger teammates to fill the role; and unfortunately, the inexperience was evident.
The younger replacements did not contain their opponents rushing attack well.
Both USC and UCLA rushed for over 170 yards, and Oregon State had 250 rushing yards.
The Devil’s needed an experienced player in that position.
They needed Johnson.
But the comeback can easily outweigh the absence.
Johnson has the opportunity to finally fulfill fan’s expectations and contribute immensely to the Devil’s defensive scheme.
Johnson, class of 2018, was a three-star-recruit out of high school from Pomona, California. He was rated as the 229th best player in California and the 129th best strong-side defensive end in the nation.
The hype quickly surrounded Johnson, and fans anxiously awaited to see his impact. Unfortunately, they only saw a glimpse of him in his freshman season.
With defensive coordinator Antonio Pierce leading the way, Johnson has all the tools necessary to showcase his talent.
If he can continue to stay healthy, Johnson has a promising return to the Sun Devil lineup.