Florida Adds Pledge From PWO TE Dawson Johnson

"I'd like to start off by thanking God for giving me the opportunity to continue to play football at the next level," Johnson wrote in his commitment note. 

"Next, I'd like to thank my Mom, Dad and brothers for helping me throughout this process and allowing me to reach this point. Along with Jim Hendricks, Taylor Sheridan, and the rest of Elite Performance Center, as well as Joe Parker and [THE KNGDM Sports Performance], for preparing me for the next level. 

"Following that, I'd like to thank coach Dave Logan, Det Betti, Chris Vollmer, and the rest of the Creek coaching staff for all the time and work they've put into me as a person and player. Go Gators!!" 

Standing at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds with a self-reported 4.7 40-yard dash, Johnson is a big-bodied two-way player with experience working as a tight end — where he accounted for 27 receptions, 406 yards and four scores as a senior — and outside linebacker at the prep level. Upon his arrival at Florida, he will fulfill a walk-on role under assistant coach Russ Callaway at the tight end spot.

The Gators reeled in the No. 13 2024 recruiting class per 247Sports' rankings, highlighted by two top-five ranked players in Willis (Texas) High quarterback DJ Lagway and Mainland (Daytona Beach, Fla.) High defensive lineman LJ McCray.

Portal (Ga.) tight end Amir Jackson was the lone player at Johnson's position to join the roster on scholarship during the cycle.

Johnson is the latest 2024 walk-on prospect to announce his intentions to trek to Gainesville for his collegiate career, notably joining UF legacy edge rusher Titus Bullard — the son of former Gators defensive end and WWE superstar Titus O'Neil — who committed on Tuesday. 

The duo benefits from head coach Billy Napier's emphasis on building the non-scholarship roster since his arrival in Dec. 2021.