Damaris Johnson Will Not Return To Tulsa Football Team

The TU receiver has decided to leave TU and pursue a professional football career.

Monday, January 9th 2012, 4:46 pm

By: News On 6

Damaris Johnson Will Not Return To Tulsa Football Team

University of Tulsa football receiver/kick returner Damaris Johnson has decided not to return to play for the Golden Hurricane next season.

Head Coach Bill Blankenship made the announcement Monday afternoon indicating that Johnson will try for a career in the NFL.

"It's unfortunate that Damaris has decided not to complete his education and return to the football team at The University of Tulsa. We hope nothing but the best for Damaris and his future. He sure has the ability to reach the next level," said Blankenship.

Johnson played three seasons for the Hurricane before he was indefinitely suspended in August for his involvement in an off-campus felony embezzlement case.

Johnson later pleaded guilty to the embezzlement charges and was given a one-year deferred sentence in October.

Johnson played in 39 career games for the Hurricane and finished the 2010 season as the NCAA's all-time record-holder for all-purpose yards (7,796) and career kickoff return yards (3,417).

He led the nation as a sophomore (224.4) and junior (202.2) for all-purpose yardage. He also completed his career with 2,746 receiving yards and 1,062 rushing yards.

As a junior in the 2010 campaign, Johnson earned second-team Associated Press All-America honors as an all-purpose performer and was named the Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Year.