The University of Miami's backfield just got a little less crowded. Returning sophomore Westleigh "Storm" Johnson told head coach Al Golden Tuesday that he will transfer to another school this summer.
"He wanted to be closer to home. He's a mama's boy and the backfield is crowded," Johnson's father Westleigh Sr. told the Miami Herald. "It's his life, sometimes you have to make hard decisions."
Crowded backfield might just be code for being in Golden's doghouse. Johnson finished the spring third on the depth chart, behind Lamar Miller and Mike James. He is one of six players whom Golden reportedly suspended for the 2011 season opener against Maryland.
Earlier this month, when disclosing the transfer of four other players, UM said "no other players -- including Storm Johnson -- have told UM that they intend to transfer at this time."
A wave of transfers following a coaching change is nothing new to college football, but Johnson was one name Canes fans expected to see get playing time in 2011.
Canes fans had hoped Johnson could create a three-headed monster in the backfield with James and Miller. As a true freshman, he only carried the ball nine times, rushing for 119 yards. But his 71-yard burst in the season-ending loss to South Florida showed his promise and breakaway speed.
Johnson is the fifth player transferring from Miami following Spring practice, along with linebackers Travis Williams and Kevin Nelson and defensive backs Jamal Reid and Devont'a Davis.
Sports
David Hill is a Miami native who spent most of his childhood at the Orange Bowl.
