Revisiting the Texas A&M Recruiting Class of 2012
Thomas Johnson
Johnson was one of the most dynamic prospects of the class coming in at number 33 in ESPN’s prestigious top 150. Coach Sumlin and his staff had high praise for Johnson (who they managed to flip from the University of Texas with some last minute signing day heroics). “Thomas is one of the best receivers, if not the best receiver, in the state,” Sumlin told Brent Zwerneman. “He’s fast, has good hands and is a strong guy. We can move him around — he’s an explosive player.”
From the moment he stepped foot on campus, the six foot, 190 pound receiver was a day one contributor. Johnson started nine of the Ag’s first 10 games of the season, which included his fair share of highlights. He snagged a few key first down grabs in what was arguably the biggest win in school history over the University of Alabama in 2012.
"Thomas is one of the best receivers, if not the best receiver, in the state,"
Then out of nowhere, Johnson abruptly disappeared. Later that week, police would find him wandering a street near his old high school in Dallas at 3 a.m. He never returned to College Station.
Johnson was soon diagnosed with schizophrenia and remained in Dallas for the next few years. This peculiar case soon turned to tragic when the young man was arrested last fall on charges of murder after police say he attacked and stabbed a random jogger along the White Rock Creek Trail in Dallas. He now remains in custody awaiting his trial; a truly saddening story for everyone involved.
Career stats: 338 yards receiving on 30 receptions along with 33 yards rushing on 1 attempt.
Most memorable moment: Florida 2012, one handed grab: