Former 4-star Louisville DB announces he’s transferring to Virginia

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia has added a transfer player to its roster for 2021, a player who can help help the Cavaliers’ secondary.

Anthony Johnson, a redshirt junior cornerback for Louisville this past season, announced on Twitter than he has committed to Virginia. The 6-foot-1, 206-pound defensive back, played in eight games for the Cardinals this past season, but has played in 32 games during his Louisville career.

An original 4-star prospect by Rivals.com and ESPN.com in 2017, Johnson was considered one of the best defensive backs in the state of Florida. He played in the Under Armour All-American game and was ranked No. 42 on ESPN’s Top 300 cornerbacks.

Coming out of Chaminade-Madona Prep in Coconut Creek, Fla., Johnson was offered by Louisville, NC State, Mississippi State, Central Florida and South Carolina.

In eight games this past season, he had five passes defended and 2 tackles. Over his career, he had 34 solo tackles, 43 total, three forced fumbles, 15 passes defended and two interceptions.

Johnson tweeted: “I would like to thank God for continuing to bless me and open new doors. I am greatly honored to say I am committed to the University of Virginia. Galatians 6:9.”

Johnson’s commitment came on the heels of three UVA defensive backs announcing they would return for an extra year via the NCAA’s blanket eligibility rule. Safety Joey Blount, and cornerbacks Nick Grant and De’Vante Cross, all said they would return for an extra year.

In addition, UVA returns safeties Antonio Clary, Coen King, along with corners Darrius Bratton and Elijah Gaines.