BOOM! Mark Richt's Canes got a HUGE addition to the 2017 recruiting class today as 4-star DE Deonte "DJ" Johnson has committed to the University of MIami.
DJ Johnson's Crazy Day✨✨✨check out my college decision https://t.co/rFM25F2RxU pic.twitter.com/Us8hWYk7KN
— Deonte DJ Johnson (@King_DJ01) July 25, 2016
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH CALI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Matt Doherty (@MDohertyCANES) July 26, 2016
THE BLOCK IS HOT
— Jorge Baez (@Coach_Baez) July 26, 2016
☀️ ☀️
WE JUST GOT BETTER,
☀️#DLU 9️⃣1️⃣6️⃣#WELCOME2THE[]_[]#SQ[]_[]AD17 pic.twitter.com/dUQQ3q55ku
Boom!! California dreaming! U Family!!
— Mark Richt (@MarkRicht) July 26, 2016
And a screenshot of the decision moment for you:
Johnson is an elite talent, and his addition to this class is massive. The Luther Burbank (Sacramento, CA) star is a top 100 player in this class, and has the physical tools and on-field production to be an impact player early in his collegiate career.
A stout 6'5" 240lb player, Johnson's junior stats bear out his talent level. He had 87 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 3 fumbles recovered, and 3 fumbles returned for TDs in the 2015 season. Already with 23.5 sacks to his credit in 2 years of varsity level HS football, he may just now be scratching the surface of his considerable talents.
In DJ Johnson, Miami is getting an elite-level 4-3 pass rusher with the frame to get up to 6-5, 280 without losing burst #Canes
— Peter Ariz (@PeterAriz) July 26, 2016
This recruitment has been far from ordinary. Despite the fact that he hails from California, Johnson is a self-proclaimed lifelong Canes fan. He's said in multiple interviews that Miami was far and away his #1 school, even without an offer. Mark Richt and staff finally offered Johnson in May, and things continued to progress.
Based on size, talent, and offers, Johnson is one of the best players in this class. He claims 98 -- NINETY EIGHT -- scholarship offers, clearly a credit to his talent. With his commitment to Miami, Johnson becomes the 2nd highest rated player in this class. He committed to Miami over Alabama, Ole Miss, Michigan, and the rest of his substantial offer list.
You can see what kind of player Miami is getting in Johnson in the highlights below.