The discipline is Strong with this one.
On the same day it was confirmed that wide receiver Jaxon Shipley is questionable for Texas’ game against UCLA because of a head injury, offensive coordinator Shawn Watson confirmed that fellow receiver Daje Johnson will not be available because he remains under suspension. He had previously missed the first two games of the season because of the punitive measure.
Johnson was one of three Longhorn players -- the others being offensive tackle Desmond Harrison and safety Josh Turner -- suspended indefinitely in early August by head coach Charlie Strong for violating unspecified team rules. Harrison and fellow offensive lineman Kennedy Estelle remain on suspension as well.
The move to continue sidelining Johnson, Harrison and Estelle will leave UT very shorthanded offensively.
If Shipley doesn't play and Daje Johnson isn't reinstated, that means Texas' offense is without 6 of its 11 projected preseason starters.
— Mike Finger (@mikefinger) September 9, 2014
Last season, Johnson missed two different late-season games because of off-field issues. He and teammate Chet Moss were suspended for the Thanksgiving game against Texas Tech, then he was declared academically ineligible for the Alamo Bowl against Oregon.
When healthy — and staying out of trouble — Johnson totaled 757 all-purpose yards in 2013 and started six games in 2013. Johnson scored three touchdowns -- one each rushing, receiving and on a punt return -- along with being one of the team’s top return specialists.
An ankle injury cost Johnson playing time early last season as well.