DB R.J. Johnson picks first SEC offer from Florida Gators

McDonough (Ga.) Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy junior defensive back R.J. Johnson started feeling excited when the phone rang and Florida cornerbacks coach Jules Montinar’s name came up.

As it turns out, Montinar’s call was to bring more good news. The Florida Gators had a scholarship offer for the 6-foot-3, 185-pound defensive back.

“I know that this is a great program athletically and academically and this is a great school that can help me achieve the goals and aspirations that I have for myself,” Johnson said.

Johnson hasn’t been on the Gainesville campus yet. He will be in attendance for the Gators’ matchup with Alabama on Saturday.

The talented 2023 prospect had only been talking to the Florida coaches for the past few weeks leading into the offer. He hopes that over the next few months to continue to develop that relationship.

“I’m looking forward to seeing an electric crowd with a welcoming family environment,” Johnson said. “I want to see the state of art facilities and the culture that has been built in Gainesville. I hope to see a place where I could call home.”

R.J. Johnson spends weekend in Athens

Johnson is also being recruited by in-state powerhouse Georgia. The Bulldogs haven’t offered Johnson a scholarship yet, but he made his way to Athens to watch the Bulldogs defeat UAB on Saturday.

“The experience was amazing this weekend in Athens,” Johnson said. “It was a family environment and a very welcoming place, and the crowd was electric. Also, the coaches did a very good job of engaging the recruits and making sure I enjoyed myself.”

Johnson says Georgia is also recruiting him as a defensive back. He’s been building a few strong relationships in Athens the last few weeks.

“Communication with Georgia has been going pretty well,” Johnson said. “I’ve been talking with a lot of coaches from Georgia these past couple of weeks. Building great relationships with Coach (Will) Muschamp, Coach (Jahmile) Addae and Coach (David) Metcalf.”

Johnson brings length and versatility to defensive backfield

Johnson plays both ways for the 1A-Private powerhouse, but most programs are recruiting him as a cornerback with the potential of playing some safety as well.

“I am a big defensive back and I’m very long, “Johnson said. “I match up well guarding bigger wide receivers. Also, I’m very versatile and I can play on both sides of the ball. Some feedback they’ve been giving me is they want me to work on my speed and to continue getting faster… I think I would fit perfectly in their (Florida’s) system because they play fast and physical and their cornerbacks have tremendous size.”

Johnson is also receiving Power Five interest from Louisville, who offered him last week, North Carolina and Georgia Tech.