D.J. Johnson to transfer

It was rumored for a while now that freshman DE DJ Johnson was considering transferring because he was homesick.

Today UM confirmed he will indeed be leaving the program.

“DJ indicated to me that he would like to continue his playing career closer to his family,” head coach Mark Richt said in a statement.

Johnson, a freshman from Sacramento, Calif., played in eight games for the Hurricanes this past season, recording three tackles.

Johnson tweeted out after UM's release was went to media that "Loved Miami, close family members going through severe health issues. Thank you to the Miami fan base and staff for embracing me and giving me some great memories and molding me as a better player and growing man. God bless."

2017 (True Freshman): Has seen action in seven games in first season...Made career debut in season opener against Bethune-Cookman (Sept. 2)...Saw time against Toledo (Sept. 23) and at Duke (Sept. 29), mostly on special teams...Registered first solo tackle of career at Florida State (Oct. 7)...Saw action against Georgia Tech (Oct. 14) and against Notre Dame (Nov. 11), mostly on special teams...Played in ACC Championship Game against Clemson (Dec. 2).

High School: Consensus four-star defensive lineman by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals and Scout…Rated as the 72nd–best prospect in the country according to 247Sports…Selected as the ninth-best player in the state of California by 247Sports…Ranked No. 62 in the final ESPN300 rankings…Rated as the No. 5 position prospect by ESPN…Ranked No. 34 on the PrepStar Top 150 Dream Team…Totaled 85 tackles (47 solo), 14.5 sacks and 31 tackles for loss during his senior season…Took part in the 2017 Under Armour All-America Bowl…Coached by John Heffernan at Luther Burbank High School…Had offers from 100 schools...Chose Miami over Washington, USC, Ohio State and Alabama.