AUSTIN — A strong start to the new year for Texas football continued Thursday as Texas wide receiver Collin Johnson announced on Instagram that he is returning to the Longhorns for his senior season.
Johnson, a junior, was the second leading receiver for Texas in 2018, catching 68 passes for 985 yards and seven touchdowns. Johnson starred in the Longhorns' win over Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown with eight receptions for 177 yards and a touchdown. Johnson also caught three passes for 40 yards in the Longhorns' 28-21 Sugar Bowl win over Georgia New Year’s night in New Orleans.
In his announcement, California native Johnson explained that he was returning to school in order to earn his degree and win a championship alongside his brother, Kirk, a Texas Longhorn running back.
RELATED:
Earlier in the week, Johnson told the press that he was advised to return to school by the NFL Advisory Committee.
"They recommend I stay in school,” Johnson said. “They have a great committee in place. They have been fairly accurate when you look at it over the past couple of years. With that being said, you still have to weigh out your options and talk to your family."
Johnson is the son of former Longhorn great and College Football Hall of Famer Johnnie Johnson, a defensive back.
“After a lot of prayer and talking with my family, I have decided to return to the University of Texas for my senior season,” Johnson tweeted.
Johnson is the first big name to announce his return to Texas. Leading receiver and fellow junior, Lil'Jordan Humphrey, hasn't announced his intentions yet, and neither has safety Brandon Jones.
On Thursday, Longhorns' lineman Malcolm Roach also announced via Twitter that he would be returning to the Longhorns for his senior season.
"Winning the Sugar Bowl was an amazing way to cap off my junior year. We ended on a high note, but everyone in that locker room knew that we have unfinished business," Roach tweeted.