2013 Gator Commitment #7: OT Roderick Johnson, American Heritage HS Delray Beach FL

[Jaggator]

OT Roderick Johnson 6-4 280 ***
American Heritage High School
Delray Beach, Florida
3.25.2012 Commitment
8.11.2012 Commitment Withdrawn
12.9.2012 Commitment Reinstated

**********

Sweeeeeet!

Rod Johnson

It's the year of the offensive linemen for Muschamp's 2013 class.

http://www.gatorcountry.com/football_recruiting/article/muschamp_connects_with_rod_johnson/13648

[IBScrogger]

Not sure how many guys we'll wait on to announce on NSD. I think we'll get 6 OL types this year.

[deep_threat]

We need to fill up early, just for the sake of not scrambling around close to NSD. I just don't know if we'll be able to do that. Hopefully we get an O-line commit or two on March 3rd.

[PSGator66]

That guy looks the part! He sounds like a good get with a lot of upside.

[StrangeGator]

We need to fill up early, just for the sake of not scrambling around close to NSD. I just don't know if we'll be able to do that. Hopefully we get an O-line commit or two on March 3rd.

This is the area where we have to recruit the most players and it's the position that is the hardest to evaluate. I don't think we fill up early, though I hope we're not scrambling around as we approach NSD. This will play out gradually over the months.

[RayGator]

Sweeeeeet!

Rod Johnson

It's the year of the offensive linemen for Muschamp's 2013 class.

http://www.gatorcountry.com/football_recruiting/article/muschamp_connects_with_rod_johnson/13648

Agree. We need to get some very good OL in the 2013 class!

Go Gators!

[palm12]

This guy looks legit hope he is part of this class

[mfpardnor2]

I'd like to have a minimum of 2 OL for EE.

[fondulus]

We need 5 OL's and they all need to be ready to contribute early.

[gatorbait96]

His name is straight out of a Beavis and Butthead episode.

[SmootyGator]

His name is straight out of a Beavis and Butthead episode.

LOL... I can picture it now!

heh-heh-heh-heh-heh... You said: "Rod".

[JustinWells]

Saw him play at the state finals this year ... big kid, looks the part and did a great job opening up holes wide enough for Greg Bryant to drive a Mack truck through.

[arun]

We lead for Johnson. I dont see that change unless some big offers pour in. Might be the first OLmen of this class.

[JustinWells]

We lead for Johnson. I dont see that change unless some big offers pour in. Might be the first OLmen of this class.

I could see that ... would be a nice prospect to get things kick started. Seems like an ideal RT at the college level.

[orangeandblue2777]

LOL... I can picture it now!

heh-heh-heh-heh-heh... You said: "Rod".

So glad they put it back on the air.

[apkgator]

Saw him play at the state finals this year ... big kid, looks the part and did a great job opening up holes wide enough for Greg Bryant to drive a Mack truck through.

I only got there for the second half....so those big holes must have been in the first half. I formed a much different opinion after watching him closely in the second half.

[JustinWells]

I'd like to have a minimum of 2 OL for EE.

That would work out nicely, for Florida. I believe they only lose three seniors following the season ... 2-3 mid-year enrollees for UF would be an excellent scenario for the Gators.

[SirRaj]

Great get, though I'm not sure if these recruits even understand the definition of the word commitment:

"I'm interested in West Virginia, Auburn and Nebraska, but that's about it -- I'm not sure if I will take any visits or not, I'm a solid commit to Florida right now."

ESPN Insider (http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/colleges/florida/post?id=3865&_slug_=gators-add-commitment-no-11&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fblo g%2fcolleges%2fflorida%2fpost%3fid%3d3865%26_slug_ %3dgators-add-commitment-no-11)

[OkieGator]

Good to finally get a solid O-Line prospect to commit!

[StrangeGator]

Congrats to Ron if he really is committed.

I remained "interested" in other women when I committed to marrying my wife, but I sure didn't tell the media and I didn't take any more visits.

[DSRrg]

Congrats to Ron if he really is committed.

I remained "interested" in other women when I committed to marrying my wife, but I sure didn't tell the media and I didn't take any more visits.

lol:laugh:

[oneatatime]

this guy needs a talking to

[mfpardnor2]

Todays committed is like todays dating scenes Friends with benefits.

You don't truly know if you're their girlfriend until LOI Day.

[Jaggator]

Only a 3-star? What's up with that?

http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20120325/ARTICLES/120329687/1189?Title=UF-football-picks-up-11th-commitment

[gatorrocks]

Only a 3-star? What's up with that?

http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20120325/ARTICLES/120329687/1189?Title=UF-football-picks-up-11th-commitment

Sam Bradford says hello.

[nortonis]

"right now". Umm. As opposed to next month?

[deep_threat]

Welcome! I'm willing to bet he sticks.

[Jaggator]

Sam Bradford says hello.

Fallacy of composition...What is true of parts of the whole is not necessarily true of the whole itself.

I'm not saying a 3-star is bad by any means but there's a reason that a greater percentage of 4 & 5 stars excel at the next level.

With that said, I'll trust Coach Muschamp's decision. Maybe he'll be a 4-star by signing date anyway.

[GATORAZ]

With that said, I'll trust Coach Muschamp's decision. Maybe he'll be a 4-star by signing date anyway.

He will be a 4 star by the end of the year but who cares like you said trust the coaches

[thedyc09]

OL is the position that takes the absolute longest to evaluate. The only 4 and 5 star OL are the nationally recognized cream of the crop. Considering the rate at which OL are redshirted and that 4/5 star players are supposed to contribute their first year, there is nothing inherently poor about a 3 star OL.

This boy is from South Florida, he's 6'6" 300, and he has experience blocking for a dynamic running game. I'd take 6 of him this year if we could get them.

[mfpardnor2]

It's not like we haven't had any 5*'s who ended up having a 2 or 3* career.

[PSGator66]

He has the right size that we need.

[247brother]

He likes our depth chart alot and potential early playing time...I say he is solid verbal

[StrangeGator]

It's not like we haven't had any 5*'s who ended up having a 2 or 3* career.

Or the other way around. Not any OL. This is where the diamonds in the rough are harder to find. Every great OL in my memory was at least a four star prospect.

[Ahab]

The vast majority of our 2006 championship OL were 3 star recruits. Only one 4 star in the whole bunch. All-SEC Rissler was even a 2 star.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Florida_Gators_football_team#Personnel

[DoctorGator]

Or the other way around. Not any OL. This is where the diamonds in the rough are harder to find. Every great OL in my memory was at least a four star prospect.

Young, Rissler, Trautwein, Carlisle, Zedellis - all All-SEC OL that were 3* or lower.

[FloridaxGators1]

This dude is a B.E.A.S.T!!!! MY LORD!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QScCRsVeO34&feature=plcp

[exiledgator]

Rod Johnson. Huh-huh. Huh-huh.

[deep_threat]

Him and Marqui Hawkins are the ones where I just can't fathom why they are not 4 star prospects (rivals). I understand why Lane isn't because of his injury but I'm pretty sure he will be a 4 star by the time he gets back on the field.

[gatorright]

Wow! Are we getting him?

[johnl]

Wow! Are we getting him?

He's committed.

[scubadude007]

Love it! Both sides of the ball, everyone he puts his hands on goes to the ground! Yes he's a man among boys in HS, but his drive and don't quit style of play is what impresses me.

[The_Graygator]

wow

[wolfjs70]

He's a monster all right. :monster: Look forward to seeing him on the field.

[The_Graygator]

I had to turn down that hideous, offensive music though, but his physical ability is really, really impressive. Wow, what a steamroller.

[thedyc09]

Looks like he'll definitely redshirt unless his footwork and technique drastically improve in his senior season. Looks like he needs to thicken up his bottom half as well. Regardless, if he puts that motor and attitude to work, he should be a good one.

[exiledgator]

Looks like he'll definitely redshirt unless his footwork and technique drastically improve in his senior season. Looks like he needs to thicken up his bottom half as well. Regardless, if he puts that motor and attitude to work, he should be a good one.

I was thinking along those lines.

While I'm no film guru, it looked like he lurched back awkwardly when pass blocking and most of his big plays on the defensive side of the ball were the result of timing the snap and what looked like coming early. Plus - he is a bit of a man amongst boys... Can't deny the nastiness, though.

[gatorright]

Is this Roderick Johnston listed as an offensive lineman in the commit list?

[deep_threat]

Is this Roderick Johnston listed as an offensive lineman in the commit list?

Yes

[mocgator]

Man among little tiny boys...

[The_Graygator]

He has a natural knack for using leverage to his advantage. That is something that usually has to be taught.

[gnvgator]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/recruiting/os-recruiting-roderick-johnson-considering-other-schools,0,3630913.story

"There are some other schools in the mix,” Johnson said during UCF’s team camp this past week. “Auburn, South Carolina and a couple of other schools.”

Johnson (6-6, 315), who is ranked No. 18 on the Sentinel’s 2013 Palm Beach/Broward Super60, said he talks to the Gators’ staff at least once a week and that they are aware he’s looking around.

Although he’s looking at what else is out there, Johnson said the odds are that he will stick with the Gators.

“Probably like six out of 10 chance I might [stay committed],” Johnson said."

[Ahab]

Well he'd have to get a new highlight tape made. :wink:

[lean_gator]

Crowder please.

[gatormoe1]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/recruiting/os-recruiting-roderick-johnson-considering-other-schools,0,3630913.story

"There are some other schools in the mix,” Johnson said during UCF’s team camp this past week. “Auburn, South Carolina and a couple of other schools.”

Johnson (6-6, 315), who is ranked No. 18 on the Sentinel’s 2013 Palm Beach/Broward Super60, said he talks to the Gators’ staff at least once a week and that they are aware he’s looking around.

Although he’s looking at what else is out there, Johnson said the odds are that he will stick with the Gators.

“Probably like six out of 10 chance I might [stay committed],” Johnson said."

This may come off as wrong but... good riddance until you are 100%. To me he isn't even committed. I'm sick of these kids committing just to save their spot and look around.

I hope Muschamp is openly looking for a replacement.

With all that said, I really do hope he comes to UF.

[elrongator]

All that's missing is the scene from Tarzan where he breaks the back of the former alpha ape over his shoulders then yodels for the elephant charge!!!
I love it!!

[Jrok79]

Get in or GTFO, this is UF and there are plenty of good players waiting to take your scholarship. If he wants Miami maybe he is more interested in partying than competition and if that's the case then see ya later.

[DieAGator]

I hope Muschamp is openly looking for a replacement.

Hard to say. Best probably to do what you would do in a relationship you want to hold together. Then, hopefully, RJ comes to his senses.

[PSGator66]

He looks great at DT too!

[Juggernautz]

I doubt he ends up @ scUM.

[GATORAZ]

Get in or GTFO, this is UF and there are plenty of good players waiting to take your scholarship. If he wants Miami maybe he is more interested in partying than competition and if that's the case then see ya later.

How many linemen as good as him are waiting for a scholarship? The coaches will fight for him they love the kids potential.

[GATORAZ]

OnlyGators.com ‏@onlygators
Sounds like three-star OL Roderick Johnson (Delray Beach, FL) has recommitted to the Florida #Gators (Twitter, Facebook posts)

Rod ‏@Rod2real
Its official gator nation im back

FSU wanted to get Brown or Johnson they don't get either


http://media.247sports.com/Uploads/Assets/295/491/491295.JPG

[UFFL]

Why did he decommit in the first place?

[GATORAZ]

Why did he decommit in the first place?

just wasn't sure of his decision

[jjenkins5]

How does that work? I mean he was committed, then de-committed and since we've gotten some additional OL prospects verbally committed. Is there still room? I guess so :-)

[Gatorrick22]

Is he worth keeping?

[gators4life]

Is he worth keeping?

Most definitely

[GATORAZ]

Is he worth keeping?

staff likes him

[Gatorrick22]

Most definitely

This is good. :happy:

[hgators]

I am sure our thoughts on whether he's "worth keeping" would be very compelling to our coaches...seriously!

[LAGatorDoc]

staff likes him

Does that mean you aren't too high on him?

[UFFL]

So does that make it 6 O-Line in this class?

[MadduxFanII]

I wanted another high school linemen to go with the three JUCOs/transfers, so this would be good news.

[gatormonk]

FSU wanted to get Brown or Johnson they don't get either

:happy:

[GATORAZ]

Does that mean you aren't too high on him?

He is the one Olinemen I never really watched film on.

[Gatorrick22]

staff likes him

I'm just wondering about his 3 star status. I know that it's hard to tell sometimes about a kids skill-set, and their actual ranking compared to other high-school prospects.

Is he a four star, or better, on anyone's board?

[GATORAZ]

I'm just wondering about his 3 star status. I know that it's hard to tell sometimes about a kids skill-set, and their actual ranking compared to other high-school prospects.

Is he a four star, or better, on anyone's board?

he is probably the 2nd best tackle in Florida ( some might say Kirkland) and a 89 on 247 with is one point away from being a 4 star. The staff visited him a few times in the past two weeks which means they really like his potential

[Nicho]

Man oh man, we are loading up for trench warfare. "God's play" might be our base offense next year. :)

[GatorDay2104]

It's safe to say, "I guess Tunsil is out of the question now".......lol, GatorNation Baby

[Gatorrick22]

he is probably the 2nd best tackle in Florida ( some might say Kirkland) and a 89 on 247 with is one point away from being a 4 star. The staff visited him a few times in the past two weeks which means they really like his potential

Thanks again GATORAZ.

[GATORAZ]

It's safe to say, "I guess Tunsil is out of the question now".......lol, GatorNation Baby

if he wanted to commit on NSD they would still take him

[Gatorrick22]

I am sure our thoughts on whether he's "worth keeping" would be very compelling to our coaches...seriously!

Relax cowboy, no one's impugning our coaches decision here.

[jjenkins5]

Love it! Who would have thought we could poke fun at ourselves about Tunsil getting away and NOT be mad about it?! Will and his staff are doing an AMAZING job recruiting!

[GatorDay2104]

Agree, AMAZING recruiting Job Champ and Co. In the beginning we were worried about not getting enough Big Uglies up front and now we have 3 freshmen, 2 transfers and 1 Juco. Nice haul…….

[GATORAZ]

Agree, AMAZING recruiting Job Champ and Co. In the beginning we were worried about not getting enough Big Uglies up front and now we have 3 freshmen, 2 transfers and 1 Juco. Nice haul…….
Dont ever worry this staff has it covered. Unless it is the QB position then I am worried lol

[UFFL]

Dont ever worry this staff has it covered. Unless it is the QB position then I am worried lol

I really think Skyler is going to be a great one :)

[G8RNTN]

Is he worth keeping?

This is the only one the staff was upset about of all the decomitts.

[Chosen12395]

Man my brother called me from GA today talking about how the mutt fans up there have been riding him about how they beat UF the last two years...looks like we are countering all the negativity by building a "Super Program"...love the BIG commits we just picked up, especially BIG BROWN out of GA!

[GATORAZ]

I really think Skyler is going to be a great one :)

Weis has a month pulls Jacoby :drool:. Pease has a month pulls Skyler :sad: (I think we can win with him though). Pease then has a year and pulls Starver? Pease better get Grier. Pease should have X mas dinner at Grier's house.

[Gatorrick22]

This is the only one the staff was upset about of all the decomitts.

That speaks volumes about how they really feel about him............thanks.

[The_Graygator]

Agree, AMAZING recruiting Job Champ and Co. In the beginning we were worried about not getting enough Big Uglies up front and now we have 3 freshmen, 2 transfers and 1 Juco. Nice haul…….

And with this many OL, could Trenton brown still play DT?

I know he's played the position before, but I just wanted to know if he's open to the idea.

[GATORAZ]

And with this many OL, could Trenton brown still play DT?

I know he's played the position before, but I just wanted to know if he's open to the idea.

no

[Gatorrick22]

:laugh::laugh:

[g8r925]

So has anyone confirmed this in the staff or is it just a twitter thing.

[Gatorrick22]

So has anyone confirmed this in the staff or is it just a twitter thing.

It's on the front page.

[UFFL]

Weis has a month pulls Jacoby :drool:. Pease has a month pulls Skyler :sad: (I think we can win with him though). Pease then has a year and pulls Starver? Pease better get Grier. Pease should have X mas dinner at Grier's house.

No offense to Jacoby, but I liked Skyler's tape better

[Gatorrick22]

Scroll to the top of this thread.....hit the "Home" tab and you'll see it it on the top left of that page.

[g8r925]

It's on the front page.

Thanks I have been in this forum for awhile and hadn't seen it.

[Gatorrick22]

Thanks I have been in this forum for awhile and hadn't seen it.

No worries friend. They just posted it there in the last few minutes.

[PIMking]

And with this many OL, could Trenton brown still play DT?

I know he's played the position before, but I just wanted to know if he's open to the idea.

no

http://cdn.uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/grumpy-cat-22.jpg

[60sDCGator]

I believe I read here on gatorcountry somewhere a while back that his de-commiting had more to do with him not doing some things the coaches mandated be done before they could honor his original commitment. I thought it may have to do with grades or his effort in the classroom, but I could be wrong. If true however, he is apparently back in good graces with the coaches and must have stepped it up and done what he was asked when first offered. AS can probably shed more light on this subject.

[GatorSean]

It's been a heck of a day!

[hotelgator]

Some keep asking questions of a poster with know inside knowledge, a low level of football iq, and has openly questioned at least 6 commits on other posts as well as this one. Trust the coaches! By the way i have seen rod play, solid. Some of you should pay 8 bucks or send zacha questions for info. Its not going to come from the thread starter!

[DieAGator]

Weren't we pretty pumped by RJ's film, that he looked like a man among boys playing the position?

[gator996]

Why is there a mystery why Johnson decommitted?

This was reported everywhere a few months ago....


http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/highschoolbuzz/2012/08/12/american-heritage-ol-rod-johnson-decommits-from-florida/

American Heritage OL Rod Johnson decommits from Florida

American Heritage offensive tackle Roderick Johnson took Aubrey Hill’s resignation hard.



Hill quit as Florida’s recruiting coordinator last week, and Johnson said he was disappointed, but refuted reports of his decommitment, saying they were premature. Those reports are accurate now. Johnson (6-6, 315 pounds, No. 6 on the Big Board) said Sunday he’s officially taken back his verbal pledge to the Gators.

Auburn, Florida State, South Carolina and West Virginia are now the leaders for Johnson’s services, along with Florida, which he still considers a favorite. FSU is thought to be his current frontrunner, but Johnson said “everybody’s even” late Sunday.

Hill was Johnson’s lead recruiter, and convinced the hulking senior to commit to the Gators. With his departure, Florida head coach Will Muschamp told Johnson he’d handle his recruiting directly.

[RayGator]

December 9, 2012

Rod Johnson has reinstated his commitment to the Gators.

[demosthenes]

Weis has a month pulls Jacoby :drool:. Pease has a month pulls Skyler :sad: (I think we can win with him though). Pease then has a year and pulls Starver? Pease better get Grier. Pease should have X mas dinner at Grier's house.

Really. You try and pull in recruits after pulling in two top 5 qbs in one year. It's no surprise a highly rated qb is interested in us with three years separation now.

[GATORAZ]

Really. You try and pull in recruits after pulling in two top 5 qbs in one year. It's no surprise a highly rated qb is interested in us with three years separation now.

He had all year to bring in a decent QB maybe Max is it but I doubt it (he has the tools though). Getting a top QB this next cycle is a must.

[Zanso]

He had all year to bring in a decent QB maybe Max is it but I doubt it (he has the tools though). Getting a top QB this next cycle is a must.

It's hard to convince a top QB to come in when you have two highly rated Qb's who will be juniors. If Jacoby transferred before the season I think it might have been easier but our depth chart at QB doesn't look attractive for any freshman, most only want to wait a year tops.

[UFFL]

Skyler was a good get. If he had to come in against ULL when Driskel was hurt, I think we would've done well

[GATORAZ]

It's hard to convince a top QB to come in when you have two highly rated Qb's who will be juniors. If Jacoby transferred before the season I think it might have been easier but our depth chart at QB doesn't look attractive for any freshman, most only want to wait a year tops.

They had to settle for Starver because they were obsessed with Bateman for so long. It is not that big of a deal Pease just has to bring in a top flight QB next cycle. Meyer did the same thing when they brought in Reed and Murphy back to back. The next year he made sure he got JD. Pease needs to make sure he get Grier.

[demosthenes]

They had to settle for Starver because they were obsessed with Bateman for so long. It is not that big of a deal Pease just has to bring in a top flight QB next cycle. Meyer did the same thing when they brought in Reed and Murphy back to back. The next year he made sure he got JD. Pease needs to make sure he get Grier.

Agreed on Grier.

Btw, only one "r" in Staver.

[RayGator]

Looks like a good class so far.

[ofmgator]

It must be a good class ...it's ranked #1 by ESPN and close to the top in other rankings.

[StrangeGator]

Muschamp wasn't going to get a top flight QB until he proved he was a top flight coach and this program was back on its feet. I think Grier commits to the Gators within a month or two.

As for the two currently waiting in the wings, they will benefit from a great OL, absurd talent and depth at RB and a system like Bama's where all they'll have to do is "manage the game," pitching and handing off to running backs and throwing the ball after six or seven consecutive running plays.

[GATORAZ]

strange CWM got a top flight QB his first 2 months as a head coach

[StrangeGator]

Muschamp wasn't going to get a top flight QB until he proved he was a top flight coach and this program was back on its feet. I think Grier commits to the Gators within a month or two.

[GATORAZ]

Muschamp wasn't going to get a top flight QB until he proved he was a top flight coach and this program was back on its feet. I think Grier commits to the Gators within a month or two.

Hello he got Jacoby. I do think we get Grier although I would not be shocked it he picked one of his other top schools.

[woltes]

This class is stacked. If Florida can get Alexander at corner just look at the secondary commits already. I mean that would just be sick!

[RayGator]

Recommitment article link originally posted by gator996.


http://www.alligatorarmy.com/2012/12/9/3748968/roderick-johnson-commits-florida-gators-recruiting

[RayGator]

As far as anyone knows, is he still solid with his Gator re-commitment?