4-star S target Darrell "Duke" Johnson trending away from the Noles?

Florida State defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain Sr. has showcased his recruiting prowess since he arrived in Tallahassee. During the 2024 recruiting cycle, he added five-star Charles Lester III, four-star Jamari Howard, four-star Cai Bates, and four-star Ricky Knight III.

However, the one downside was that he missed adding five-star safety KJ Bolden on Early Signing Day where he elected to flip to the home-state Georgia Bulldogs. The safety positon as a whole on the current team took a hit considering that the depth was not in the best spot.

While there were veterans such as Akeem Dent and Shyheim Brown in the rotation in 2023, there was not much-proven depth. Fast forward to the 2024 season, Dent has now exceeded his eligibility so it is time for other contributors to step up in his place. That is why there is now a greater emphasis on adding more safeties via the recruiting trail.

One prospect that Florida State was heavily pursuing was Class of 2025 four-star safety Darrell "Duke" Johnson from Dodge County High School in Eastman, Georgia. Johnson has two crystal ball predictions in favor of the Seminoles (the most recent one was by 247Sports' Anna Adams on February 19th).

However, 247Sports Director of Football Recruiting Steve Wiltfong dropped a crystal ball prediction on Sunday afternoon in favor of the Alabama Crimson Tide for Johnson. To make matters worse, the talented defensive back will announce his decision on March 20th.

If the Seminoles find a way not to add the Georgia native to its recruiting class, here are some targets at the safety position that you should monitor.