Recruiting battles being waged over four-star 2025 Florida RB Donovan Johnson
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Donovan Johnson has had his name on college football recruiting boards since his freshman season when he was running the ball down the throats of Georgia defenders for Calvary Day. After a 1,300-yard, 10-TD, season, the 2025 prospect transferred to IMG Academy (Bradenton) in Florida. College coaches followed along with the move. Johnson now holds 27 offers doing his own piece of next level evaluations.
Miami and Ole Miss are interested parties that could help Johnson over the 30-offer mark soon. Offering parties have been heading to IMG’s campus this spring to see Johnson.
“Coach Walt with Tennessee has come by, USC, Georgia, Penn State, and coach Nick Saban has come by,” Johnson said. “There have been a lot of coaches – Oklahoma and Auburn. Ohio State hasn’t yet but they told me they are coming to my spring game.”
The meeting with coach Saban was covered, “It was really good. His first time coming by, that is when he offered me. It was an absolute blessing. Knowing all the talented running backs coming out of Alabama, it is a blessing. And knowing that my running style fits their scheme; they like the big-fast backs that are versatile; and I fit their running style. I had a great time talking to him. It was great catching up with him and coach running backs coach (Robert) Gillespie.”
Johnson listed the teams letting him know they are one of their favorites in ’25.
“Tennessee, USC, Oklahoma, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Bama, FSU definitely, and Ohio State,” Johnson stated.
Florida 2025 RB Donovan Johnson at USC.
Back in April, USC hosted Johnson on a visit.
“I went to USC, that went really well,” Johnson shared. “I like coach (Kiel) McDonald (RB) and coach (Lincoln) Riley. The USC visit was a great experience. They made it fun for me. When I was there, they talked about how I would be used in the offense. I talked to Raleek Brown, their running back, when I was there; it was a great experience.”
The summer calendar is filling up with college campus stops.
“I will probably go back to Georgia in June or July,” Johnson stated. “I will definitely go back to FSU, and I gotta go to Ohio State. This summer I want to get to Colorado and Oklahoma to see how those schools are doing. I’d like to get back up to Tennessee; that would be my second time going up there.”
Johnson may workout with college coaches this summer in a camp setting. Florida State, Georgia, and Alabama are among the possible camps Johnson may attend.