When Karter Johnson left Pickerington Central High School for TCU in 2019, he was a 286-pound defensive tackle. One of the best in the nation, by the way.
Rivals.com ranked him No. 21 at his position. In Ohio, he was the No. 12 overall prospect.
I am excited to announce that I have committed to the University of Pittsburgh !! A huge thank you to @CoachDuzzPittFB for this amazing opportunity. #H2P #JUCOPRODUCT pic.twitter.com/H3hsjRg3Ga
— karter johnson (@therealkajohns) May 20, 2022
But the former seventh-grade quarterback and high school tight end never lost his itch to play offense. He transferred from TCU to Butler (Kansas) Community College before the end of the 2019 season, eventually lost about 70 pounds and played tight end there during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
His collegiate journey took another turn Friday when he announced he was enrolling at Pitt — of course, to play tight end — after decommiting from Coastal Carolina.
After losing tight ends Lucas Krull (NFL) and Kaymar Mimes (transfer portal), Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi was looking for some experienced depth to back up sophomore Gavin Bartholomew. Johnson (6-foot-2, 238 pounds) may be able to provide that after catching 22 passes for 293 yards and four touchdowns at Butler CC.
There are now five players backing up Bartholomew on Pitt’s roster, but only junior Kyi Wright has caught a pass (three for 34 yards). The others are redshirt freshmen Cole Mitchell, Jake Renda and Trevor Faulkner, a transfer from Air Force and an Avonworth graduate.
Johnson is one of eight transfers on Pitt’s roster, including linebacker Shayne Simon, cornerback M.J.Devonshire, quarterback Kedon Slovis and wide receiver Konata Mumpfield.
