Darrell “Duke” Johnson, a top-50 linebacker, talks about his dedication to Alabama over Florida State and other schools.
Alabama secures one of the Southeast’s most sought-after linebackers after defeating rivals from the SEC and ACC.
Four-star linebacker Darrell “Duke” Johnson of Eastman, Georgia, Dodge County, made his live announcement of his commitment to Alabama on the 247Sports YouTube channel on Wednesday afternoon.
Out of the top six choices Florida State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, UCF, and USC, Johnson (6-1, 200) chose to commit to the Tide.
“Everyone is aware of Alabama’s exceptional program,” Johnson said to 247Sports before making his announcement. “Honestly, Alabama has always been my dream school, but the fact that they have shown me and my family so much love really brought it all together for me.”
Soon after the dead period ended in early March, Johnson visited Texas A&M and Alabama consecutively. However, Johnson would make a quiet pledge to Kalen DeBoer’s staff before leaving Tuscaloosa.
In the 2025 class, he becomes Alabama’s first linebacker and sixth commitment overall. His commitment vaults the Alabama Crimson Tide into the top-10 of the 247Sports Composite rankings at No. 10 overall, surpassing Tennessee, Baylor, and Georgia.
Johnson says he still intends to accept further visits, according to 247Sports. March 30 is his preliminary visitation date to Auburn. From there, he will make formal visits to UCF on May 31, USC on June 7, and Florida State on June 14.
He has not yet planned an official trip to Alabama. Maybe Alabama’s coaching staff holds off on hosting him until the fall in order to use that card closer to signing day.
In any case, expect Johnson to visit Tuscaloosa again in the spring or summer.
In college, Johnson might be a flexible third-level defender or weak-side linebacker. According to 247Sports, he is the No. 48 overall and No. 5 linebacker prospect. He has a score of 93.
A scouting report on Johnson from national analyst Hudson Standish of 247Sports is provided below.
“Dynamic two-way player who excels at Dodge County High School in Georgia’s AA classification. Has at least five prep positions under his belt, but eventually should find a permanent home at the next level as an off-ball backer.” physically intimidating, with a weight of 200 pounds and a height of 6 feet 1 inch, with almost no visible body fat. uses his remarkable agility and 80-inch wingspan to attack the ball at its highest position, playing the ball extremely well in the air. made progress as a junior on the defensive end of the ball, demonstrating a career-high 103 tackles with his feet and recognition. demonstrates a sense of urgency when attacking ball carriers from sideline to sideline and downhill. A real thumper who has repeatedly demonstrated the force of his full-speed contact to knock the football away. In order to sustain a high tackle rate as he continues his shift from defensive back to linebacker, Johnson needs to be more aggressive in attacking blocks and, as a result, get off blocks cleaner. Should be considered as one of Georgia’s top athletes and a big long-term NFL Draft prospect who may make a difference for a team hoping to make the College Football Playoffs.”
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