The defensive line was a huge reason for the late-season success Florida Football had to close out 2024. After being a bit of a liability in the front half of the season, the unit flipped a switch and was the real MVP in Florida's four-game winning streak.
But a good chunk of that unit has left and while the class of 2026 won't be able to help in 2025, one player Florida is slated to get a visit from could wind up being just as good.
Florida Football: Yeet
James Johnson is a DT out of Cape Coral. Listed at 6'4" and 275 pounds, he is a consensus four-star prospect, with On3 having him at 118th overall, while the other services have him outside the top 200.
On film, he looks the part of a potential top 100 prospect as Johnson yeets opposing guards and centers with ease. If you aren't familiar with the meaning of yeet, Johnson, at times, will push guys back five or more yards off just the initial point of contact.
If you need further proof of his power, Johnson threw 52' 7.5" in the shot put and placed 7th in the 3A state championships.
But he's not just a straight-ahead power rusher, as he has some tools in his bag to outright beat guys without getting touched.
The only thing that seems to hold him back in the rankings is the fact he plays down in southwestern Florida compared to some of the other hotbeds in the state.
Johnson has been on campus in Gainesville a handful of times and just locked in his official visits this summer. He is going to visit the Gators on June 13. He also has official visits set for Illinois, Penn State, Syracuse, Miami, and Georgia.
Johnson would be a great addition to the defensive line and is one Billy Napier and crew need to try and land.