'I could see myself playing in the Swamp': Top-100 CB Dijon Johnson commits to Florida

Four-star Tampa (Fla.) Wharton cornerback Dijon Johnson didn’t have much time to build a relationship with Florida‘s new coaching staff before he committed to Ohio State back in April.

Billy Napier and Co. were only a few months onto the job, and his unofficial visit to Columbus made him certain that’s where he wanted to be. As the summer rolled on though, the Gators increased their contact with him. At first, he didn’t give them much attention. But after a visit at the end of July for the program’s Friday Night Lights recruiting event, the switch flipped.

On Thursday, Johnson announced for the Gators this time around, giving Napier another elite defensive back in the 2023 cycle.

“They got a great DBs coach who put multiple defensive backs in the league, and then it’s close to home,” Johnson told On3. “It was the type of thing where I was like, ‘Why not do it big in your own state?'”

Key factors led Dijon Johnson to stay at home

He says he ultimately chose the Gators over USC, who hosted him last spring before his commitment to Ohio State. When he decommitted from the Buckeyes, the Gators’ staff continued their strong pursuit of him that began earlier in the summer.

What sealed his decision though, was his unofficial visit to Gainesville during the first weekend of the season. The atmosphere at the Swamp, as well as the proximity to his family in Tampa, made his decision easy.

“I was thinking about it when I was committed to Ohio State, but after the Utah game, I said, ‘I could see myself playing in the Swamp,'” he added. “The atmosphere is crazy. … I want to be able to get my family up with no problems. They can take a quick drive; it’s only two hours away from home.”

Playing under Napier, Corey Raymond is a major plus

One of the biggest difference-makers for Dijon Johnson was Florida’s coaching staff. He believes in what Napier and his assistants are building in Gainesville, and he wants the opportunity to be part of it.

“He’s a great leader and and coach,” Johnson said. “I talked with some of the players, and they say he is trying to make sure everybody on the staff and in the building are genuine people. And they stayed the same throughout the process, even when I got on campus.”

Defensive backs coach Corey Raymond was Johnson’s primary recruiter, and his experience putting elite cornerbacks into the NFL and developing them as prospects was integral to Florida winning over Johnson.

“Just watching him during practice, he’s really detailed about everything. He really wants to teach guys to better their game, and I like that he keeps it real.”

Now, he’ll turn his attention to being a recruiter. Beginning this weekend on his official visit, he is going to be all about building out the Gators’ 2023 class.

“When I make my decision, I’m on all the top players in Florida telling them to stay home. I’m going to hit Cormani up and tell him what the move is. We met at Alabama in January and been chopping it up since. I think Florida’s in a good position with him right now.”