Top schools and visits coming for Georgia four-star DB Darrell Johnson
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One thing college football coaches across the country can agree on, Darrell “Duke” Johnson is a top prospect worthy of putting recruiting time and energy into in the hopes of landing a verbal commitment. The four-star 2025 prospect out of Dodge County (Eastman, Ga.) has rightfully earned the athlete label because of his two-way prowling but this talent will more than likely be taking heads off ball carriers at the next level.
During his sophomore campaign, Johnson led the Indians in rushing carrying the pigskin 98 times for 686 yards racking up eight scores running a Wildcat set. On defense, Johnson is the do-all type able to cover, close, and punish at the point of contact.
“This season I will play a lot of safety, Will-backer, slot, and running back,” Johnson stated.
Asked if he has a favorite position, Johnson replied, “Probably playing defense, but it doesn’t matter. I’d say safety because I like to come down hitting.”
The offseason has been about more than just making himself better.
“I have been working on getting bigger, my back pedal, getting in and out of my breaks faster, and my speed,” Johnson said. “I’ve also stepped up on being a leader. We have a new coaching staff; I’ve been getting in with them and being a better leader.”
The offer sheet is nearing 30 with 26 on the table. A few schools are teetering on dropping their opportunities.
Darrell “Duke” Johnson at Clemson.
“Oklahoma, West Virginia, and there are some more I cannot think of right now,” Johnson shared. “I think some don’t think they can win the battle, so they don’t want to offer me with me having so many offers. They are talking to me without offering but are trying to build a good bond.”
The teams courting Johnson to the best of their abilities were listed, “Bama, FSU, USC, UCF, Miami, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida. Oregon is looking at me hard too.”
Johnson camped at Georgia, where he posted a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash. Clemson, Florida, UCF, and Florida State also got him on campus over the summer months. The next round of stops is being put on the travel schedule.
“I’m looking at Tennessee vs. Alabama (Oct. 21), Georgia vs. Tennessee (Nov. 18), an FSU game, a Miami game, and USC vs. Oregon (Nov. 11),” Johnson said.
The SEC and ACC squads in the mix of upcoming game-days were covered.
Tennessee: “Tennessee, I liked the vibe there. Everyone was nice, we bonded a lot. One of my best friends committed there, that makes for an even better bond with Tennessee because I know he will be there. It is all love.”
Alabama: “They are recruiting me heavy. Coach T-Rob (Travaris Robinson – CB) and I talk a lot. We even just talk about life. He is a cool guy; I would love to play under him.”
Miami: “Miami’s coaches and I get along well. I haven’t visited them yet. I want to see what it is like there and what it is like being with them.”
Florida State: “With FSU, coach (Mike) Norvell and I get along so well. Coach (Patrick) Surtain – DB) is a great coach and we get along so well. He played DB, we are locked in. They are getting great recruits, guys like KJ Bolden; it would be good to play with him.”
Fans will not have to wait long to have a better idea of Johnson’s favorites, the narrowing of schools is soon to happen.
“I am dropping a top 12 soon,” Johnson shared.