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Florida DB Dijon Johnson Arrested in Tampa

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alec Musa | Last updated May 6, 2025 5:07 PM ET

Like the Georgia Bulldogs last season, the Florida Gators have found themselves in hot water regarding a player running into legal problems. On Tuesday, reports surfaced of Florida Gators cornerback Dijon Johnson being arrested last week in Tampa on multiple charges, including two felonies, according to 247Sports' Zach Goodall. The arrest on May 2 adds legal uncertainty to a player once considered a centerpiece of Florida's secondary moving forward.

The 6-foot-1 defensive back faces a third-degree felony charge for possession of a controlled substance and a second-degree felony charge for possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Johnson was also charged with misdemeanor possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis and resisting an officer without violence. He was released on bond on May 4.

Johnson, a four-star signee in the Gators' 2023 recruiting class, chose Florida over offers from Auburn, Alabama, Ohio State, and USC, among others. A Tampa native and former standout at Wharton High School, Johnson appeared in 10 games as a sophomore last season, finishing with 27 tackles, two passes defended, and two tackles for loss.

Florida released a brief statement Tuesday acknowledging the situation:

We are aware of the situation of Dijon Johnson. We will continue to gather facts, cooperate with and monitor the legal and administrative processes."

Johnson's arrest comes at a time when the Florida Gators football program has not won double-digit games since 2019. The Gators are coming off an 8-5 campaign, their first winning season in three years, and face one of the nation's toughest schedules in 2025.

Johnson was heralded as a foundational piece for Florida's defense at the time of his arrest. Per Ourlads, he projects as a starting corner for Billy Napier's defense for a second straight season. The program's patience and discipline will be tested as the legal process plays out.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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