Cowboys WR Leon Johnson Unlikely to Redshirt This Season

After the standout performance from the Division III transfer, he's likely to use his last season of eligibility.

The Oklahoma State Cowboys had a huge win over the Cincinnati Bearcats this past weekend, winning 45-13. Of the performance, though, Leon Johnson might have had the biggest game. 

Statistically, Ollie Gordon had the best performance. He had 25 carries for 271 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. This isn't new for Gordon. He's been on a tear in each of the last five games and has played a key role in the Cowboys' four-game winning streak. 

Still, the Cowboys were shorthanded. They were short at the wide receiver position, but that's when Johnson stepped up. He finished the game with five catches and 149 receiving yards. Originally, Cowboys' offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn wanted to redshirt Johnson, who is using his last year of eligibility, but now it's unlikely the Pokes will be able to do so after his big game.

“It’s no secret I wanted to redshirt him, because I think he is a really good player with tremendous upside,” Dunn said. “Having him back in orange and black next season would be the best thing for us and the best thing for him."

Though Dunn and company wanted to redshirt Johnson, it seems as if the absence of De'Zhaun Stribling for the season and other wide receivers dealing with some injuries is going to be the reason Johnson not only will be needed but will be able to play a solid role to finish out the season. 

During his weekly press conference, Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy said he "cannot imagine" Johnson is redshirted. 

With the Cowboys remaining four games, Johnson will have a huge opportunity. As a big-play receiver at 6-foot-5, 217 pounds, he provides an ability that allows the Cowboys to make big plays in the air and open up the ground game for Gordon, who's been a focal point in the offense this season. 

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READ MORE: Oklahoma State Ranked No. 22 in College Football Playoff Rankings

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