Miami (Fla.) Carol City four-star athlete Za’Kari Johnson has committed to Florida State. He chose the Seminoles over other finalists like Auburn, Miami, Syracuse and Georgia Tech.
“The coaches there, every time I go up there, they’re full of joy. It feels like home,” Johnson said. “And [safeties] coach [Evan] Cooper has known me since day one. He’s believed in me. Love who loves you.”
Cooper and the FSU coaching staff were ecstatic to learn of Johnson joining their 2027 recruiting class.
“They were happy,” he said of FSU’s reactions to him committing. “They’re happy to have me here. I was told when I get there, they’re going to use me in many ways. Hopefully we get Florida State back on the map.”
Johnson, who was originally in the 2028 recruiting class, recently reclassified up to the 2027 class. FSU is taking him to play defensive back at the next level. The ‘Noles think he can be a versatile piece in their secondary.
“I’m going to be playing all over the defensive side of the field,” he said.
Moving forward, Johnson, who had several other schools involved in his recruitment, says he may close off communication with programs aside from FSU.
“Yeah I might just shut it down,” he said.
Johnson was ranked as the nation’s No. 122 prospect and No. 6 athlete in 2028. 247Sports assigned Johnson a ’90’ grade in the 2027 class, making him a four-star recruit. He now ranks as the No. 22 athlete nationally and as the No. 26 player in the state of Florida.
Last season, the 6-foot-1, 190-pounder played quarterback and defensive back for Plantation High School. He totaled 551 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns, 777 rushing yards and nine rushing scores offensively. On defense, he racked up 10 tackles, four pass breakups, a fumble recovery and a pick six.
