Report: Florida’s Dijon Johnson Working Back From Second Knee Procedure
After a limited spring, Florida redshirt junior cornerback Dijon Johnson could be limited at the start of fall camp when it begins on Aug. 5 after undergoing a second surgical procedure on his right knee, according to 247Sports’ Graham Hall.
Johnson initially injured his meniscus in the second half of a 26-7 loss against Miami on Sept. 20, missing the last eight games of the season.
The defensive back was able to get back out on the field during spring camp but was in a non-contact jersey for the majority of his time, only taking it off the third week.
Gators coach Jon Sumrall gave an update on Johnson at SEC Football Media Days on Wednesday.
“He ran 20-something miles an hour earlier this week, so he’s rolling,” Sumrall said.
Before his injury, the SEC Academic Honor Roll player started four games for the Gators in 2025, recording eight tackles, one pass breakup and one interception,the first of his career coming against LSU on Sept. 13.
The Tampa native is currently projected to be a starting boundary corner for the Gators in 2026, patrolling the opposite side of the field as redshirt junior cornerback and former 5-star recruit Cormani McClain.
Johnson’s journey with the Gators has been a long one. After being the No. 162 overall recruit and 38th-ranked player from Florida in the class of 2023, he appeared in 12 games his freshman season, primarily on special teams.
During the 2024 season, Johnson played in all 13 games, starting in five of them. That experience on the field led to him becoming an opening day starter at corner for the 2025 season, but his exciting start was cut short by his injury.
The expectations for Johnson have grown on and off the field for his redshirt junior season.
With corner Devin Moore gone after being drafted in the fourth round by the Dallas Cowboys, Johnson naturally assumes the leadership position, as the most senior player in the defensive backs room.
“I’m the oldest in the room, so it’s only right for me to be the voice,” Johnson told The Alligator March 10.
If Johnson isn’t good to go by the start of the season, other defensive backs will need to step up, including redshirt freshman corner Ben Hanks III and sophomore J’Vari Flowers. Hanks III was the No. 38 overall player in the class of 2025, according to 247 Sports.
Should Johnson come back in time, the Gators look to have a strong defensive backfield to support Sumrall’s first year at Florida.
Category: Gator Sports, Gators Football
