Riverside (CA) Notre Dame four-star cornerback Darius Johnson committed to Michigan on Monday. He picked the Wolverines over Oklahoma, Oregon, USC, and others.
The 6'1", 170 lb. recorded 29 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, 10 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries as a junior in 2025.
RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 80 grade, #30 CB
Rivals: 4-star, 90 grade, #25 CB, #303 overall
247Sports: 3-star, 88 grade, #55 CB
Hit the jump for more.
Johnson is an outside corner with good length and speed. At 6'1" with solid track speed (10.94 in the 100 meters as a sophomore), he has the ability to stay with receivers, make up ground, and maintain a good playmaking radius. He has good technique and balance in his backpedal, and he has solid eye discipline that should prevent him from getting taken advantage of on double moves. He seems to do well in zone coverage and looks well coached, which he should be, considering his dad is former Washington Huskies and NFL cornerback Derrick Johnson. (Fun fact: This particular Derrick Johnson was selected in the same 2005 draft as the more famous Derrick Johnson, a linebacker who played for Texas before being a 1st round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs; Darius's dad was a 6th round pick by the 49ers.)
Darius is a little bit thin and could afford to get stronger. He's not an unwilling tackler, but he does seem a little light and needs to put on some muscle before he's ready to take on Big Ten running backs.
Overall, Johnson is a good cornerback prospect, especially for a zone scheme (Cover 2 or Cover 3) where he can use his technique, reaction quickness, and length. I wouldn't anticipate him being a superstar because he doesn't seem to have elite ball skills or turnover prediction, but he should be a solid #2 corner by the time his college career wraps.
Johnson becomes Michigan's first cornerback commitment in the 2027 class and its twelfth commitment overall. He would be the first player to come from Riverside (CA) Notre Dame.
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