Three games in, transfer running back Chris Johnson Jr. has yet to have much of an impact on the Clemson offense.

Johnson logged just three offensive snaps and only two carries in the 28-20 comeback win over North Carolina on Saturday, and both of those rushes came early in the contest. His first carry went for just two yards and his second lost two yards.

During his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Dabo Swinney was asked about Johnson’s lack of offensive snaps over the course of the win.

“He went in and bounced it outside… on a play that is supposed to go inside,” the head coach said. “I just wasn’t going to watch it anymore. I am trying to win a game. If he wants to play, he has got to do what he is coached to do. It is just really simple.”

Johnson did make his presence felt in the return game, including a 30-yard kickoff return after the lengthy lightning delay that helped spark the Tigers to the go-ahead touchdown. He finished the game with four kick returns for 87 yards.

“He was impactful in winning the game at kickoff return, but we know what he can do,” Swinney added. “He has got to play within the scheme. And we have got to do a good job of creating some space for him and stuff like that.”

“He is a fast guy, but you got to play fast. And there’s been times where it is there, but he stops.”

Twice in the first three games, Johnson has finished with zero rushing yards. His best performance of the young season came against Georgia Southern, when he rushed seven times for 53 yards.

Despite the slow start to the season, Swinney still believes the transfer back will make his mark on the offense at some point down the road.

“There will be plenty of opportunities,” Swinney said.

Photo courtesy of Bart Boatwright/The Clemson Insider