The Case of the Missing 5-Star Receiver: Where Did Tyron Johnson Go?

Through the last three weeks of disappointment, settling and resetting a season’s expectations, one thing has gone a little under the radar. One of Oklahoma State’s most electric playmakers has gone missing. We need to get Chris Knox to impose the above image on a milk carton.

Where did Tyron Johnson go?

Heading into this season, one of the biggest talking points on this blog and throughout Oklahoma State’s fan base was the impact that one Tyron Johnson might have on an already deep and talented offense.

The former five-star recruit had become the stuff of legend during practice and on the scout team while serving his one-year seated on the pine thanks to NCAA transfer rules. Few expected him to usurp the roles of seniors like James Washington and Marcell Ateman, but fewer expected him to end the season seventh in targets.

But after some spotty time and being grounded for getting out of his world before the Pittsburgh trip, Johnson was called upon to be the Bedlam hero with Washington sidelined late — and he almost was.

Johnson did pay off his season-high eight targets with four catches, a career-high 118 yards and two scores. And Mason Rudolph looked to the sophomore late with the game on the line.

But since that career game, Johnson has been a no-show. In the final three games, he saw zero targets, was removed from kickoff return duties and has barely seen the field. His only touch was a week after Bedlam in Ames when he rushed the ball once in the second quarter for 3 yards.

So where has he gone?

Again, a sophomore getting inconsistent reps on a team this loaded with wideouts is one thing. But when a player who people both inside and outside the program have called OSU’s best with the ball in his hands doesn’t see the field, that’s something different altogether.

There’s still a bowl game and a huge hole following it with the departure of Washington, Ateman and Chris Lacy. Let’s hope that whatever is keeping Johnson sidelined is resolved before next spring. Because of the fresh crop of budding stars ready to step forward, he might be the most talented.