The suspense on where four-star 2023 cornerback Dijon Johnson will play his college ball ended Thursday night with a commitment to the Florida Gators. Johnson was a one-time commitment to the Ohio State Buckeyes with the Miami Hurricanes in the mix. In the end, it was the Gators who bolstered their class with the Rivals100 prospect.
WHAT FLORIDA IS GETTING
Johnson’s “star power” took a dramatic rise over the spring months into the summer showcasing his skills across the country. From camps to 7-on-7 tournaments, wherever Johnson went receivers failed. Johnson has size to compete one-on-one with tall receivers and the speed to fly with the best of the best. Applying his in-season trade with Tampa’s Wharton, Johnson is a big part of the Wildcats defense that is limiting teams to 10.6 points per game. Florida is getting a true cover corner.
WHAT MAKES JOHNSON DIFFERENT
Johnson is the modern-era five-tool corner. Adding to his size and speed, Johnson’s athletic ability stands out. His hips are smooth and quick able to cut on a dime going stride for stride with any receiver on the route tree. His technique is on point staying low and comfortable in his backpedal not breaking out after a few yards trying to guess routes. Johnson’s ball skills make any pass that is not perfectly thrown a PBU or INT waiting to happen.
WHY THIS IS BIG FOR THE GATORS
Recruiting is a talent acquisition race to a given signing period, and the Gators are stocking up. Johnson has the talent to be a starter from Day 1 with the abilities to be an all-conference performer. Florida is loaded with fantastic talent in their 2023 secondary, a secondary that includes Sharif Denson, Jakeem Jackson, Jordan Castell, Aaron Gates, and newly acquired Georgia safety Bryce Thornton.
Head coach Billy Napier and his staff have focused on in-state players and are reaping the benefits of their strategy. Of the 22 commitments to the 2023 class, just four are from outside the Sunshine State. When the Florida coaches tell in-state recruits they want to keep them home for college, the commitment list backs up the messages.
Ryan Wright, National Recruiting Analyst
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