Isaiah Johnson leaving Kansas football team

Safety Isaiah Johnson, a former Big 12 defensive newcomer of the year, is leaving the Kansas football program for “personal reasons,” KU coach David Beaty announced Friday afternoon.

Johnson, a former transfer from Iowa Western Community College, is set to graduate in May and will play his final season elsewhere. His departure means that Kansas will replace four starters from its 2014 secondary. The Jayhawks also lost senior cornerbacks JaCorey Shepherd and Dexter McDonald and senior safety Cassius Sendish.

“We would like to thank Isaiah for all of the contributions he made to our program during his time at Kansas,” Beaty said in a statement. “He has been a model citizen and teammate, and we wish him nothing but the best in the future.”

Johnson arrived at Kansas in 2013 after a season at Iowa Western. He racked up 148 tackles, six interceptions and seven pass breakups in two seasons, earning Big 12 defensive newcomer of the year honors after a standout sophomore season in 2013.

“My time at KU has been a great experience,” Johnson said in a statement. “I have learned a lot from my coaches and have made friends I will keep for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, for personal reasons, I will play my last year somewhere else, but I will always be grateful to Coach Beaty and his staff for all that they have done for me and how much he has helped me during this time.”

The Kansas football program, which is entering its first season under Beaty, will open spring practice on March 24. The Jayhawks’ spring game is set for April 25.

This story was originally published March 13, 2015 at 3:29 PM with the headline "Isaiah Johnson leaving Kansas football team."