The Inside Scoop: Florida in a 'great position' with top-100 DB Dijon Johnson

Tampa (Fla.) Wharton four-star defensive back Dijon Johnson has kept things quiet with his recruitment since decommitting from Ohio State at the end of July.

While a quick flip to Florida seemed imminent, Johnson opted to hold off. And he has only visited the Gators since then, taking a pair of unofficial visits in the month of September. With his commitment coming later this week on October 13, the momentum remains in Gainesville, according to On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons.

“I’m thinking nothing different than when he decommitted from Ohio State you know, a while back,” Simmons said on Monday during On3’s Inside Scoop recruiting show. “Florida, even when he was committed to Ohio State, had quietly positioned themselves in a good spot, had him on campus a handful of times, some reported and some not. Obviously he’s from there in Tampa; not a hard ride up Gainesville and the Swamp. He’s gotten very familiar, very close with that staff. He likes the fit with Corey Raymond, the defensive scheme under Patrick Toney.

… One thing I’m hearing from recruits, whether it’s guys committed to Florida, looking at Florida or just considering Florida, they like Billy Napier. His attention to detail, his structure, and Dijon likes all of those things from Napier all the way down to the staff and the fan base in the Swamp. I think Florida is in a great place to finally land a public commitment from Dijon Johnson.”

Johnson is the No. 98 overall prospect in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Dijon Johnson Scouting Summary

“One of the more physically-imposing top cornerbacks in the 2023 cycle, measuring at 6-foot-1, 187 pounds with a wing-span over 6-foot-4. Pairs the high-end speed and length with good straight-line speed, running an electronically-timed 4.58 second 40-yard dash prior to his senior season. A fluid mover with a smooth and coordinated back pedal. Has shown the ability to transition from his backpedal and flip his hips in downfield coverage. Shows some signs of being a risk-taker at the high school level, jumping passes. Looks like a pure cornerback as opposed to some of the other big defensive backs in the cycle. Older for the class.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings