Aug. 13, 2002
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Former Indiana running back Jeremi Johnson has transferred to Western Kentucky University, head coach Jack Harbaugh announced Tuesday.
A 5-foot-11, 275-pound native of Louisville, Ky., he will use his final season of eligibility on the Hill. Due to NCAA transfer rules, Johnson will be eligible immediately.
"We are excited about getting a player of Jeremi's ability," Harbaugh said. "It's a significant addition for us in that he is already familiar with the offense we are trying to install and the assignments it involves."
Johnson rushed for 546 yards and seven touchdowns on 95 carries last season, also grabbing 16 receptions for 213 yards and another score. He finished third on the squad with 759 all-purpose yards as the Hoosiers went 5-6 overall with a 4-4 Big Ten mark. Johnson rushed 20 times for 103 yards and two touchdowns while catching 11 passes for 83 yards as a sophomore in 2000, and he was the team's third-leading rusher his first year as he posted 69 carries for 282 yards and a pair of scores. He also caught 10 passes for 90 yards and one touchdown in '99.
A 1999 graduate of Ballard High, Johnson was a preseason All-America selection prior to his senior season, a year in which he collected 1,517 yards and 17 touchdowns, averaging more than eight yards per carry. He also ran for 904 yards and 13 scores on 120 attempts as a junior. A two-time all-state selection, Johnson started all four years for the Bruins.
"It's unusual to add someone of Jeremi's ability this late," said Harbaugh. "It was difficult for him because he needed summer school to be eligible and get his release from Indiana, which had to be addressed before he could make a decision where to transfer."
The Hilltoppers will practice at 9 a.m. (CDT) each of the next three mornings, with their afternoon workouts scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, and 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
- WKU -
