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Dodge County High School linebacker Darrell Johnson is one of the most coveted defenders in the 2025 cycle. He ranks as the No. 28 prospect in the country according to the 247Sports’ Composite Rankings and has been high on the Vols over the past few months. The linebacker is currently Crystal Balled to Florida State as of November 28th, 2023, by Florida State insider Zach Blostein from Noles247. It will be interesting to see how much Tennessee can play a factor in the recruitment of Johnson following linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary leaving for the Michigan job. Spring ball is quickly approaching, and this is a recruitment that the Volunteers will be looking to make a big impact on. Rivals national director of recruiting Adam Gorney updated where Johnson’s recruitment currently sits. There’s a group emerging at the top, though he did note one program that could make Johnson re-evaluate his picture. “After a phenomenal junior season on both sides of the ball and a fantastic showing at the Under Armour Atlanta camp, Johnson has moved all the way up to No. 49 in the Rivals250. It might not be enough. Alabama, Florida State, Tennessee and UCF are highest now but the Eastman (Ga.) Dodge County standout is visiting Georgia soon and if/when the Bulldogs offer, everything could change.” Rivals’ Adam Gorney on Darrell Johnson