In April, Countryside defensive back Mike Johnson attended Florida State’s spring game. He loved the campus, the atmosphere and the coaches.
The Seminoles immediately moved to the top of his list. Though Johnson ended up with 20 offers and anticipated more coming from big-time programs the next few months, he had already made his mind up where he wanted to go.
On Monday, he publicly announced he committed to FSU, but plans to make it official at a camp in Tallahassee on July 17.
"I really liked FSU through the whole process," Johnson said. "Nothing ever changed."
According to 247Sports and Warchant, the Seminoles have not yet honored his commitment. That could change once he attends FSU's camp and talks to coach Jimbo Fisher.
Johnson said he initially made his decision June 23 after playing for Team Tampa in the IMG National 7-on-7 tournament but wanted to wait before letting everyone know.
Johnson, rated a three-star recruit by 247Sports, battled through injuries last season and had 16 tackles and two interceptions. That was enough to get the attention of colleges.
Last month, Johnson named a top 10 list of schools he was considering. Besides FSU, there were two other state schools on his list: UCF and USF. He said at the time that he wanted to pare the list down so he can concentrate on where to take his visits. He said the list could change if more offers come, particularly from state schools such as Florida or Miami.
The Seminoles offered in March and stayed with him. Johnson joins former St. Petersburg Catholic running back Ryan Green and former St. Petersburg lineman Jeremy Kerr as the three FSU recruits from Pinellas County the past two years.
UCF and Louisville were the only other schools Johnson was seriously considering, and he said he plans to visit both.
"I really like those schools," Johnson said. "But I'm committed to FSU. When I go to UCF and Louisville, they'll have to do a lot to sway me."