Apr. 29—Less than a week after the spring transfer window closed, the Lobos have made their first big splash in the portal.
Auburn transfer safety C.J. Johnson has committed to New Mexico, his representation confirmed to the Journal on Tuesday.
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The 6-foot-2, 198-pound redshirt freshman did not see the field in two seasons with the Tigers, but is expected to factor into the Lobos’ near-completely remade secondary. Johnson is UNM’s third defensive and fourth overall portal addition this spring, and has three years of eligibility remaining.
Pete Nakos of On3.com was the first to report Johnson’s commitment.
Johnson did not respond to the Journal’s request for comment on Tuesday.
A Houston native, Johnson was ranked as a three-star recruit out of Paetow (Texas) High School, making 68 tackles as a senior in 2022. He earned second team All-District honors at the end of that season and was ranked as the 58th-best safety in the country per 24/7 Sports, a CBS property specializing in transfer and draft news.
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Johnson ended up choosing Auburn in January 2023 over offers from two dozen schools, including Nebraska, Houston, Arizona, Duke, Louisville and Kansas. He did not see the field on defense or special teams over the last two seasons, and opted to re-enter the portal this spring after withdrawing in December.
With his commitment, Johnson joins linebacker Brett Karhu (Memphis), safety Caleb Coleman (Texas State) and kicker Grant Glasgow (Montana) as the Lobos’ fourth transfer addition this spring. The Lobos are expected to add more players via the portal at quarterback, defensive line, tight end and wide receiver.
Wisconsin transfer receiver Mark Hamper — who played three seasons under current UNM head coach Jason Eck at Idaho — is listed as a UNM commit via Rivals.com. Hamper’s representation told the Journal on Monday he had not committed anywhere yet.
Prep commitment
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IMG (Florida) Academy tight end Aldin Bilalbegovic committed to UNM on Tuesday night via a post on social media.
The 6-foot-5, 215-pound senior caught five passes for 87 yards and three touchdowns last season. After UNM closed spring practice with just three tight ends, his addition will help address a depth concern during fall camp.
“After years of working my way through opportunities and obstacles, I am more than grateful to announce my commitment to the University of New Mexico,” Bilalbegovic wrote in a post on X. “A huge thank you to (tight ends coach Jared Elliott) and the rest of the staff at UNM for extending this opportunity to me … Thank you to the rest of my family, friends and those who have helped me along my way to where I now stand.
“Time to chase pro-career dreams! Go Lobos!!”
