Florida Gators: Roderick Johnson
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Signing day is just around the corner and this will be the second-to-last weekend Florida can host official visitors.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Editor’s note: Every Tuesday and Thursday through Jan. 31, GatorNation will break down each position. We’ll look at 2013, of course, but also try and give you a peek beyond next season, too. Today is offensive tackle. We will profile center/guard on Jan. 10.
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Two-deep: With the graduation of Xavier Nixon, sophomore D.J. Humphries will step into the starting spot at left tackle. He’ll be pushed by junior college behemoth Trenton Brown (6-foot-8, 350 pounds), who is scheduled to enroll early. Chaz Green likely will hold on to his starting job at right tackle, but he’ll have to hold off Nebraska transfer Tyler Moore, who sat out the 2012 season and also is scheduled to enroll early.
OFFENSIVE TACKLE
Two-deep: With the graduation of Xavier Nixon, sophomore D.J. Humphries will step into the starting spot at left tackle. He’ll be pushed by junior college behemoth Trenton Brown (6-foot-8, 350 pounds), who is scheduled to enroll early. Chaz Green likely will hold on to his starting job at right tackle, but he’ll have to hold off Nebraska transfer Tyler Moore, who sat out the 2012 season and also is scheduled to enroll early.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Offensive lineman Rod Johnson (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage) was a late arrival to the Under Armour All-America Game, but he didn’t take long to get involved in the fracas.
The 6-foot-4, 315-pound senior was a late injury replacement and arrived here around 9 p.m. ET Monday. He will wear No. 54 in Friday’s game, which will be televised live on ESPN from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.
Early in today's one-on-one drills, Johnson got into it with Alabama commit DeMarcus Walker (Jacksonville, Fla./Sandalwood) as Walker took exception to the fact that Johnson was lying on top of him.
The 6-foot-4, 315-pound senior was a late injury replacement and arrived here around 9 p.m. ET Monday. He will wear No. 54 in Friday’s game, which will be televised live on ESPN from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.
Early in today's one-on-one drills, Johnson got into it with Alabama commit DeMarcus Walker (Jacksonville, Fla./Sandalwood) as Walker took exception to the fact that Johnson was lying on top of him.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
4-star OL Johnson recommits to Florida 
December, 9, 2012
12/09/12
9:37
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida has landed it's third commitment of the day, as four-star offensive lineman Rod Johnson (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage) recommitted to Florida on Sunday evening. The four-star tackle prospect chose Florida over West Virginia and Florida State.
The 6-foot-6, 315-pound tackle originally committed to Florida early in the recruiting process before opening things back up. After taking a few official visits, Johnson decided to make his pledge to Florida again.
"When I talked to coach [Tim] Davis on my in-home visit," Johson said, "I really had a good time talking with him, just talking to me about the program and getting early playing time. He talked to me about graduating and getting my degree. He kind of left that on my shoulders and left it on my parents' shoulders as well.
The 6-foot-6, 315-pound tackle originally committed to Florida early in the recruiting process before opening things back up. After taking a few official visits, Johnson decided to make his pledge to Florida again.
"When I talked to coach [Tim] Davis on my in-home visit," Johson said, "I really had a good time talking with him, just talking to me about the program and getting early playing time. He talked to me about graduating and getting my degree. He kind of left that on my shoulders and left it on my parents' shoulders as well.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Back for another round of notes and going into detail this week on the spotlight area of the state: Palm Beach County and the surrounding Treasure Coast area.
Palm Beach/Treasure Coast prospects rated by ESPN Scouts: 21
Palm Beach/Treasure Coast players in ESPN 300: 6
Highest-rated Palm Beach/Treasure Coast prospect: RB Kelvin Taylor (Belle Glade, Fla./Glades Day)
Palm Beach/Treasure Coast prospects rated by ESPN Scouts: 21
Palm Beach/Treasure Coast players in ESPN 300: 6
Highest-rated Palm Beach/Treasure Coast prospect: RB Kelvin Taylor (Belle Glade, Fla./Glades Day)
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
4-star OL Johnson has four standing out
September, 8, 2012
9/08/12
8:34
AM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
SEFFNER, Fla. -- Four-star offensive lineman Roderick Johnson helped lead Delray Beach (Fla.) American Heritage to a 36-28 upset win over Seffner (Fla.) Armwood on Friday night. The 6-foot-6, 316-pound tackle prospect helped lead the way for Greg Bryant, the No. 2-ranked running back in the country.
Behind the blocking of Johnson, Bryant rushed for two touchdowns. Johnson said it was a big win, but he is already looking ahead to next week.
"I feel like we got a lot off of our chest for this season," he said, "but now we have to get ready for our next game. It's an honor to block for Greg because I know he's the best running back in the country."
Behind the blocking of Johnson, Bryant rushed for two touchdowns. Johnson said it was a big win, but he is already looking ahead to next week.
"I feel like we got a lot off of our chest for this season," he said, "but now we have to get ready for our next game. It's an honor to block for Greg because I know he's the best running back in the country."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida head coach Will Muschamp and offensive line coach Tim Davis were on hand to watch Florida wide receiver commit Chris Thompson and his Gainesville (Fla.) High School teammates defeat Lake City (Fla.) Columbia and their five-star offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil 17-14 on Thursday night.
The victory was bittersweet for Gainesville, however, as Thompson left the game early with a lower leg injury. There is no word yet how serious the injury is.
The Gainesville victory over Columbia was just the start to a packed weekend full of great games involving Florida commits. Here's a closer look at some of the games to keep an eye on this upcoming weekend.
The victory was bittersweet for Gainesville, however, as Thompson left the game early with a lower leg injury. There is no word yet how serious the injury is.
The Gainesville victory over Columbia was just the start to a packed weekend full of great games involving Florida commits. Here's a closer look at some of the games to keep an eye on this upcoming weekend.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Although four-star offensive lineman Roderick Johnson (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage) backed out of his commitment to Florida two weeks ago, the 6-foot-6, 316-pound senior isn't done with the Gators.
Johnson said he needed to make the move so he could fully evaluate other interested programs.
"I still have a good relationship with the coaches at Florida," Johnson said. "They have treated me well and it was out of respect for the process that I made the decision.
Johnson said he needed to make the move so he could fully evaluate other interested programs.
"I still have a good relationship with the coaches at Florida," Johnson said. "They have treated me well and it was out of respect for the process that I made the decision.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- It’s time to dip in to the GatorNation recruiting mailbag and answer your questions. Because of the number of questions we’ve received, we won’t be able to get to all of them today, but we encourage you to ask your questions on our Insider fan forum, The Chompions Club. Astute readers will also notice a new spot on our homepage where you can submit mailbag questions about the Gators and/or UF recruiting at any time. We read every question we receive.
will01811: Derek, does this list sound like the rest of yours: [Jalen] Ramsey, another OL or 2, DeMarcus Walker, Marcell Harris, Alvin Bailey?
A: I wouldn't pencil Ramsey into my mock class quite yet. Florida is trying to get a visit from Ramsey and if he does decide to visit, Florida would certainly increase its chances. After losing Rod Johnson and Josh Outlaw over the last week and a half, Florida will most definitely target another lineman or two. I feel confident Florida will get at least two out of three of Walker, Harris and Bailey and could quite possibly land all three ESPN 150 players.
will01811: Derek, does this list sound like the rest of yours: [Jalen] Ramsey, another OL or 2, DeMarcus Walker, Marcell Harris, Alvin Bailey?
A: I wouldn't pencil Ramsey into my mock class quite yet. Florida is trying to get a visit from Ramsey and if he does decide to visit, Florida would certainly increase its chances. After losing Rod Johnson and Josh Outlaw over the last week and a half, Florida will most definitely target another lineman or two. I feel confident Florida will get at least two out of three of Walker, Harris and Bailey and could quite possibly land all three ESPN 150 players.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Gators deal with spate of decommitments
August, 19, 2012
8/19/12
4:05
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- With the loss of four-star offensive line prospects Rod Johnson (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage) and Josh Outlaw (Lithonia, Ga./Martin Luther King) over the past week, the Gators find themselves in a bind along the offensive line.
Florida would like to sign four linemen and still has commitments from center prospect Cameron Dillard (Canton, Mich./Canton) as well as the Gators' most recent commit, Octavius Jackson (Moultrie, Ga./Colquitt County), a guard prospect.
The Gators will now turn their focus to five-star Laremy Tunsil (Lake City, Fla./Columbia), three-star Joe Fennell (Ft. Myers, Fla./South Ft. Myers), four-star Na'Ty Rodgers (Owings Mills, Md./McDonough) and and three-star Kenny Lacy (Pheonix/Mountain Pointe HS).
Florida would like to sign four linemen and still has commitments from center prospect Cameron Dillard (Canton, Mich./Canton) as well as the Gators' most recent commit, Octavius Jackson (Moultrie, Ga./Colquitt County), a guard prospect.
The Gators will now turn their focus to five-star Laremy Tunsil (Lake City, Fla./Columbia), three-star Joe Fennell (Ft. Myers, Fla./South Ft. Myers), four-star Na'Ty Rodgers (Owings Mills, Md./McDonough) and and three-star Kenny Lacy (Pheonix/Mountain Pointe HS).
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
What's next for Florida? More spots in 2013
August, 12, 2012
8/12/12
11:15
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida lost two four-star commitments this weekend, as cornerback Tre' Bell (Jersey City, N.J./St. Peters Prep) and offensive lineman Rod Johnson (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage) decided to part ways with the Gators.
What this means for Florida
For the Gators and Bell, who decided not to participate at Friday Night Lights or camp earlier in the summer at Florida, the decision to part ways was mutual. Bell made his decision final on Friday when he committed to Vanderbilt.
What this means for Florida
For the Gators and Bell, who decided not to participate at Friday Night Lights or camp earlier in the summer at Florida, the decision to part ways was mutual. Bell made his decision final on Friday when he committed to Vanderbilt.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Top remaining prospects on Florida's board
August, 8, 2012
8/08/12
8:21
AM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Last year, after missing on some top prospects on signing day, some Florida fans were concerned with how the Gators closed their 2012 recruiting class. If this year is any indication, fans won't have much to worry about. Less than six months remain until signing day and the Gators have filled almost all of the 2013 class. With only a few spots remaining, here is a closer look at the top five prospects left on the board.
Laremy Tunsil, OL, (Lake City, Fla./Columbia)
The Gators might have fallen slightly behind Georgia for Tunsil, but as long as Florida has not been eliminated, Tunsil will remain No. 1 on UF's board. Elite left tackles are hard to find and with the talented defensive linemen in the SEC, tackles will always be a priority. There is still a long way to go until signing day, but the Gators will have their work cut out for them to land the No. 1 offensive lineman in the country.
Laremy Tunsil, OL, (Lake City, Fla./Columbia)
The Gators might have fallen slightly behind Georgia for Tunsil, but as long as Florida has not been eliminated, Tunsil will remain No. 1 on UF's board. Elite left tackles are hard to find and with the talented defensive linemen in the SEC, tackles will always be a priority. There is still a long way to go until signing day, but the Gators will have their work cut out for them to land the No. 1 offensive lineman in the country.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Gators' offensive line class taking shape
August, 7, 2012
8/07/12
8:00
AM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- With the addition of three-star offensive lineman Octavius Jackson (Moultrie, Ga./Colquitt County) on Friday, the Gators now have four offensive line commits, three of which are ranked four-star prospects.
The Gators have limited scholarships remaining for the 2013 recruiting class and they could be done recruiting the position -- but not likely.
First, and probably most importantly, the Gators will continue to recruit their committed offensive line prospects. Versatile guard/tackle prospect Rod Johnson (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage), who's been committed to Florida since March, said Friday that he plans to take a visit to FSU this season. When asked if he was still committed to the Gators, Johnson responded with "right now yes." The Gators, however, love Johnson's upside and versatility and you can expect Florida to turn up the heat on the talented prospect to try and keep him a part of this recruiting class.
The Gators have limited scholarships remaining for the 2013 recruiting class and they could be done recruiting the position -- but not likely.
First, and probably most importantly, the Gators will continue to recruit their committed offensive line prospects. Versatile guard/tackle prospect Rod Johnson (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage), who's been committed to Florida since March, said Friday that he plans to take a visit to FSU this season. When asked if he was still committed to the Gators, Johnson responded with "right now yes." The Gators, however, love Johnson's upside and versatility and you can expect Florida to turn up the heat on the talented prospect to try and keep him a part of this recruiting class.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Four-star WR 'open' after Hill resigns
August, 3, 2012
8/03/12
11:20
AM ET
By
Michael DiRocco | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Aubrey Hill’s resignation could cost Florida at least one 2013 commitment.
Four-star receiver Rodney Adams (St. Petersburg, Fla./Lakewood) told GatorNation Friday morning that he was going to reopen his recruitment after hearing that Hill had quit as the Gators’ receivers coach and recruiting coordinator.
"Now that he’s resigned, I’ll look into what receivers coach they’re going to bring in," the 6-foot-1, 166-pound Adams said. "Right now I’m going to open up my recruitment."
Four-star receiver Rodney Adams (St. Petersburg, Fla./Lakewood) told GatorNation Friday morning that he was going to reopen his recruitment after hearing that Hill had quit as the Gators’ receivers coach and recruiting coordinator.
"Now that he’s resigned, I’ll look into what receivers coach they’re going to bring in," the 6-foot-1, 166-pound Adams said. "Right now I’m going to open up my recruitment."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- ESPN's GatorNation took questions on Twitter for this week's recruiting mailbag. Because of the amount of questions we received, we won’t be able to get to all of them today, but we encourage you to ask your questions on our Insider fan forum, "The Chompions Club."
kendallland1 and DK_Thompson: Any sleepers or guys who aren't household names out there we should know about since UF is down to only about five to seven more recruits (barring attrition)?
A: Hard to really call him a sleeper at this point but Gainesville (Fla.) High School wide receiver Chris Thompson performed well at Florida's camp recently and the Gators are seriously considering offering him. If Florida were to miss out on other prospects such as Demarcus Robinson, Florida could certainly end up using that scholarship on a guy like Thompson. Four-star tight end Desean Smith isn't really a sleeper, but you don't hear his name come up much when Florida's class is mentioned. Smith has legitimate interest in the Gators, however, and there is a real possibility he could visit Gainesville in the next few weeks. Also, defensive end Eric Mayes (Sarasota, Fla./Booker) is a prospect on whom Florida is keeping close tabs. If Demarcus Walker falls through, the Gators could look to Mayes to fill their strong-side defensive end hole.
kendallland1 and DK_Thompson: Any sleepers or guys who aren't household names out there we should know about since UF is down to only about five to seven more recruits (barring attrition)?
A: Hard to really call him a sleeper at this point but Gainesville (Fla.) High School wide receiver Chris Thompson performed well at Florida's camp recently and the Gators are seriously considering offering him. If Florida were to miss out on other prospects such as Demarcus Robinson, Florida could certainly end up using that scholarship on a guy like Thompson. Four-star tight end Desean Smith isn't really a sleeper, but you don't hear his name come up much when Florida's class is mentioned. Smith has legitimate interest in the Gators, however, and there is a real possibility he could visit Gainesville in the next few weeks. Also, defensive end Eric Mayes (Sarasota, Fla./Booker) is a prospect on whom Florida is keeping close tabs. If Demarcus Walker falls through, the Gators could look to Mayes to fill their strong-side defensive end hole.
ABOUT GATOR NATION
Michael DiRocco
Michael DiRocco came to ESPN.com in 2011 after spending 10 and a half years covering UF for the Florida Times-Union. He lives in Middleburg, Fla., with his wife and two sons. Email him at espndirocco@gmail.com.
Derek Tyson
Derek Tyson joined ESPN.com in 2011. He worked as a football and recruiting analyst for GatorCountry.com before joining ESPN. He currently resides in Gainesville, Fla. Email him at derektysonespn@gmail.com.