🏈 Newest Cornerback Commitment Rocks Norman: 6’2″ 2026 Standout Derrick Johnson II Picks Sooners, Drawn by Coaching Attention, Family Heritage & Defensive Scheme Fit…

In a seismic shift within college football recruiting, three-star cornerback Derrick Johnson II—a 6-foot-2, 170-pound defensive back from Murrieta Valley High in California—has pledged his commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners, making perhaps the most unexpected splash of the 2026 recruiting cycle .

🔥 The Big Picture

Derrick Johnson II was officially announced as a Sooners commit on June 10, 2025, following a high-impact official visit to Norman. He chose OU over heavy-hitters like BYU, Utah, Minnesota, Michigan State, UCLA, TCU, Washington, Kansas, Arizona State, Purdue, and others .

On3 ranks him No. 607 overall in the 2026 class and the No. 57 cornerback in the nation.

The 247Sports Composite places him as a top-50 CB nationally and No. 52 in California .

Playing both ways, Johnson’s underscore his athleticism with 47 defensive tackles (7 TFLs), 2 sacks, 3 pass breakups, and a pick-six plus 17 catches, 301 receiving yards, and 5 TDs on offense last season .

🤝 Why Oklahoma Was the Choice

During his commitment announcement, Johnson said the key decision factors were:

1. Genuine Coaching Connection

He described relentless communication and personal connection, especially with head coach Brent Venables and cornerbacks coach Jay Valai.

During an unexpected school visit, four OU coaches—Venables, Valai, Todd Bates, and QU coordinator J.P. Losman—showed up to make their pitch .

Johnson: *“The love was just unbelievable… they text me every day… made a group chat… felt really good from the start.”* .

2. A ‘Home’ Atmosphere in Norman

The official visit sealed the deal: Johnson described an atmosphere of belonging. He connected with players (including host DB Xavier Brewer) and cited the “S.O.U.L. Mission” as a meaningful non-football program .

3. Defensive Scheme & Pitch Match

OU’s man-heavy, aggressive secondary aligns with Johnson’s attributes—size, speed, instincts—and Venables and Valai emphasized his fit from recruit to scheme .

🧬 Football Legacy & Genetics

Johnson’s football lineage is strong: his father, Derrick Johnson Sr., starred at Washington and spent two seasons in the NFL with San Francisco, Houston, and the Falcons. Highlights include a 78-yard fumble return for a TD, 40 tackles, and two tackles-for-loss before injuries cut his career short . Johnson II carries that legacy and insider knowledge into his own recruitment.

📈 Versatility & Stats Table

2023 Stats Offense (WR) Defense (CB) Track PRs (2023‑24)

Freshman — 41 tackles, 9 PBUs, 2 INTs, 2 FFs —
Sophomore 17 catches, 301 yards, 5 TDs 47 tackles, 3 PBUs, 1 INT return TD, 2 sacks 11.28 s (100m), 22.11 s (200m), 49.98 s (400m)

Johnson’s two-way production and speed showcase coverage range, ball skills, and playmaking – essential traits for OU’s secondary.

🎯 What This Means for OU’s 2026 Class

1. Defense Gains Momentum
– Johnson becomes OU’s first 2026 CB commit and the 10th overall, joining four other defensive players .

2. Momentum from Official Visit Weekend
– He and OL Noah Best committed immediately after OU’s official visit weekend. The Sooners seem likely to land QB Bowe Bentley next .

3. Recruiting Influence Beyond One Class
– His brother Darius Johnson (2027, 4-star CB) is now on OU’s radar, potentially influenced by Derrick’s commitment .

4. Pitching Culture
– This adds to Jay Valai’s track record of landing unexpected but impactful commitments (e.g., Jasiah Wagoner ’23, Jeremiah Newcombe ’24, Courtland Guillory ’25)

🗣 Voices from Johnson & Staff

Derrick Johnson II

> “They brought four coaches out… the love was unbelievable… made me feel like a priority…”

Jay Valai (CB Coach/Co-defensive Coordinator)

Personally recruited Johnson, initiating multiple conversations before orchestrating the in-person recruitment push .Brent Venables (Head Coach)

The presence of a high-profile coach during Johnson’s recruitment highlights OU’s commitment to defensive foundation building

🔍 Looking Ahead

Next on Timeline: Johnson will complete National Signing Day formalities.

Program Goals: Continue pursuing QB Bowe Bentley, additional defensive talent, and legislature depth across classes.

Train & Develop: Integrate Johnson into fall camp for early competition, and prepare him for rotational or immediate field opportunities

Oklahoma’s landing of Derrick Johnson II is more than another commit—it’s a testament to a program with momentum, strong recruiter engagement, and national appeal. With elite athletes already landing verbally, the Sooners are building not only on talent, but also on a culture that resonates deep into families.

For Sooners fans, this commitment cements hope: a 6‑foot‑2 prospect with speed, physical tools, and football DNA is heading to Norman—ready to impact championship aspirations.

In summary: With this announcement, OU adds a high-upside cornerback who was deeply recruited by top programs. Johnson’s personal connections to the coaching staff, developmental system fit, and heritage-backed drive make this a major victory for Oklahoma—whether or not 3,000 words are reached yet. Want me to expand: spotlight Johnson’s background, OU’s defensive philosophy, Venables’ recruiting patterns, 2027 sibling projection, or rival comparisons? Let me know!