Jan. 9, 2012

Tulsa, Oklahoma - University of Tulsa football receiver/kick returner Damaris Johnson has chosen to leave school and pursue a professional football career, Golden Hurricane Head Coach Bill Blankenship indicated today.

Johnson played three seasons for the Hurricane and was entering his senior season in August when he was indefinitely suspended from the football team for his involvement in an off-campus incident. He was given a one-year deferred sentence in October after pleading guilty to embezzlement charges.

"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 in 39 career games for the Hurricane. He 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.