ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia added to a need position while dealing rival Florida a hit to its recruiting class Wednesday, flipping four-star defensive tackle Nasir Johnson from a Gator commitment to the Bulldogs. Here’s what to know:
- Johnson is a senior at Dublin High School in Dublin, Ga., who had been committed to Florida since June.
- Johnson is rated No. 208 overall in the 2024 class, per the 247Sports Composite. He’s the 44th-ranked defensive lineman.
- Georgia’s class remains ranked No. 1, with 28 commitments, while Florida’s class has fallen to fifth after being ranked as high as third recently.
Why this is big for Georgia
Defensive line is a need for the Bulldogs, who could lose as many as four starters or contributors: seniors Nazir Stackhouse, Zion Logue, Warren Brinson and Tramel Walthour.
And while Georgia’s defensive line hasn’t been as dominant as in past years — lacking Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis or Devonte Wyatt — the veteran experience has been enough to keep the defense strong enough.
Minus that experience, Georgia has to replenish the depth and hope to develop more star power. Current freshman Jordan Hall has the most upside, and redshirt sophomore Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins could be very good as well. (Mykel Williams, more of an end, also has star power.)
Georgia in this class is aiming for numbers: Johnson becomes the sixth defensive lineman, all but one of them four-stars, the highest-touted being Joseph Jonah-Ajonye, who’s No. 26 overall nationally. And expect Georgia to eye the transfer portal for more immediate help.
Why this hurts Florida
It’s not a class-killer, as the Gators still have nine commitments who ranked higher in the overall rankings. But it’s not a great sign for momentum with the team having lost three straight and in danger of missing on a bowl for a second straight season under Billy Napier.
On the defensive line, Florida does have four-star LJ McCray, the nation’s No. 10 DL recruit. It also has four-star Amaris Williams (No. 100 overall) and four-star Kendall Jackson. But the Gators will have to find a way to replace Johnson in the class and keep pushing to shore up their depth and talent base.
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(Photo: Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today)
