The senior recruiting class for the Florida Gators has been one that has centered around its commitments from the guard position. Landing early verbals from top-125 recruits Shai Alexander and DeAundrae Ballard, the need for a frontcourt piece has long been on the mind of those in Gainesville. Today, things changed for the better as the SEC crew wrapped up the talents of Chase Johnson, a 6-foot-9 power forward from West Virginia.

A native of Ripley, West Virginia, Chase Johnson became one of the biggest stock boosters this past summer thanks to his quick growth spurt, athleticism at the basket where he has become known thrown down impressive dunks over opposing defenders, and his evolving, perimeter skillset. From June up until now, the senior forward brought in nine high-major offers, ones coming from the likes of Georgia Tech, TCU, Clemson, Marquette, and South Carolina.

However, Johnson remained loyal throughout the process and after narrowing things down to a final four of Virginia Tech, Tennessee, WVU, and Florida, the Gators ended up winning out with the commitment from the high upside and versatile forward that will finish out his prep career with the Huntington Prep basketball program this winter.

What might Florida fans expect from Chase Johnson? Well, there will be more than enough comparisons to past Gator star Chandler Parson, both of whom bring fine length as playmaking forwards and boast fine athleticism at the basket. While Johnson doesn’t shoot it too well just yet, he is capable of attacking closeouts from off the perimeter and also works well as a helpside defender in protecting his basket.  

Johnson now becomes the first forward commit for the Gators and someone that will hopefully step in and learn the ropes of the the combo forward spot from current junior wing-forward Devin Robinson. Expect for Mike White’s crew to push for one commitment from the 2017 class as they will play host to top-100 center Isaiah Stokes this weekend for an official visit. Regardless of if they are able to land the interior producer, Florida has cemented its early case for a top-25 recruiting class thanks to the recent commitment of Chase Johnson.