Florida is set to host a key visitor on Thursday as guard Jeremiah Johnson heads to Gainesville, with a decision expected soon.
Hailing from Norman, Oklahoma, Johnson initially committed to Oklahoma State under coach Mike Boynton. This commitment was a major win for the Cowboys, marking the end of a long and publicized recruitment. However, after Boynton’s firing and meeting the new head coach, Steve Lutz, Johnson initially reaffirmed his commitment. This changed as the new roster, which was heavy on transfers with Johnson as the sole high school recruit, took shape. Subsequently, Johnson decided to reopen his recruitment.
Johnson had previously chosen Oklahoma State over LSU, SMU, Saint Louis, and TCU. Now, he is considering Florida, Stanford, Texas A&M, and Green Bay.
Ranked 141st in the 2024 class, Johnson is poised to immediately compete for a rotation spot. His high school career began at Putnam Academy, then moved to Wasatch Academy in Utah, and included a post-grad year in the Overtime Elite league. This extensive experience makes him older and well-prepared for Division I competition.
Standing at 6’3” and weighing 180 pounds, Johnson is a versatile combo guard capable of both handling the ball and playing as a shooting guard. Initially known as a traditional point guard, he has evolved into a potent scorer who can find his spots and create plays. His smooth, effortless style is evident in his playmaking and shooting, as he hit 41% of his threes as a senior at Wasatch Academy.
In the Overtime Elite League, Johnson averaged 18.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. He also demonstrated defensive potential, showcasing his athleticism and length.
Florida seeks a young ball handler for their backcourt, and their playing style, competitive NIL opportunities, and immediate playing time could be attractive to Johnson. The Gators are in a strong position in this recruitment, and good news may come as early as Thursday following his visit.
Additionally, Keyshuan Tillery, a 2025 guard considering reclassifying to 2024, was recently on campus. The Gators may be looking to finalize their roster with young guards, and Tillery, a 4-star prospect, has seen his recruitment rise recently and might be considering an early college start.
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