Colleges cannot hand out an unlimited number of scholarships, but former Florida head coach Will Muschamp regrets not extending one to now-Kentucky receiver Garrett Johnson.
Muschamp, who is now the defensive coordinator at Auburn, approached Johnson following Thursday night’s clash between the programs and acknowledged the mistake made two years ago.
J.T. Beisner of KSTV shared the video of the moment when Muschamp told the sophomore wideout, “I screwed up. I’m a dumb[butt]. You’re a [heckuva] player.”
https://twitter.com/Beisner_cn2/status/655013659941433344
Johnson attended high school at West Orange, which is near Orlando and less than 100 miles from Gainesville. Chris Hays of the Orlando Sentinel notes Johnson was a life-long Florida fan, but when Muschamp and the coaching staff didn’t offer a scholarship, Johnson “was miffed” and committed to Kentucky instead.
Listed at 5’9″ and 160 pounds as a recruit, he certainly wasn’t the prototypical size for a receiver at a big-time program. Nevertheless, Johnson has already proved Muschamp wrong in person—twice.
On Thursday, Johnson set career-high marks with nine receptions and 160 yards, eclipsing previous bests of six catches and 154 yards. Yes, he torched Muschamp and Florida for those numbers last season, during a game Johnson also caught two touchdowns.
Credit Muschamp for the gesture, because Johnson must’ve felt a strong sense of satisfaction after the encounter.