Committing to Florida recently crossed mind of emerging defender

Last Saturday, North Fort Myers (Fla.) defensive lineman James Johnson returned to Gainesville for the Grill in the ‘Ville cookout. It marked his third trip to Florida this summer.

Visiting that many times over a short period of time is promising as it is, but the 2026 prospect says the Gators had him thinking about a potential commitment as well.

“I spoke to the coaches: (Defensive line) coach (Gerald) Chatman, (assistant defensive line) coach Luis (McLeod) and coach Billy Napier. It was good seeing them again,” Johnson told Gators Online.

“On my way out, we were talking about me becoming a Gator. I considered it, like, potentially happening. That was really it. We were just bonding with them.”

Johnson relished the games and activities that day as well. That was the top highlight for him.

“We did a scavenger hunt and then some team-participation (events), like, with potential future teammates. That was highlight of it,” said Johnson. “I don’t remember all the names, but I bonded with Chance (Chancellor Barclay), the 4-star offensive lineman. I bonded with him. Then Kendall Guervil, I had the chance to speak with him too.”

Three programs are positioned best for James Johnson

According to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, Florida is trending with odds of 39.9 percent. Additional schools that recently played host include Louisville, Syracuse and UCF.

The Gators have received the most visits to this point though. Does the RPM paint an accurate picture?

“It’s one of the top schools right now. I’d also say Syracuse and Miami,” Johnson said of Florida. “I like the coaches and my relationship with the coaches (at UF). Also, their facility and what they got to offer.”

Two more visits to Gainesville are on the calendar

If all goes according to plan, the 6-foot-4, 275-pound Johnson will be visiting several schools this fall.

One of them will be the University of Florida; in fact, multiple return dates are already locked in.

“I’m going back to Florida for the game against Miami,” Johnson said. “I got a few more planned, like, a few more games to go to. I’m going to Colorado vs. UCF and I will be back at Florida for the Texas A&M game. I’ll probably be heading to USC at the beginning of November.”

Johnson, who says USC and Syracuse are recruiting him the hardest, possesses nearly 20 offers altogether.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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