UCLA's 4-Star Lineman Johnnie Jones Joins Florida's Venice High School

Venice, Florida, USA - Big changes are in the air for the Venice High School football team! Johnnie Jones, a standout 6-foot-6, 308-pound offensive lineman and 4-star recruit, is making waves by transferring from Berkeley Prep to Venice. With his sights set firmly on the future, Jones joins a storied program seeking to maintain its winning tradition under the seasoned guidance of head coach John Peacock.

As a UCLA commitment, Jones is already drawing attention across the nation. According to On3, he has earned a ranking of No. 146 nationally, No. 17 in Florida, and is recognized as the No. 12 offensive tackle in his class. Jones primarily plays left tackle and recently participated in a spring game against the Gainesville Buchholz team, where he showcased his skills.

Venice High School’s Champion Legacy

Venice High School isn’t just any school; it’s a football powerhouse with a proud legacy. They are four-time state champions, having clinched Florida’s Class 7A championship in 2024. The team boasted an impressive 14-1 record last season and is hungry for their fifth state title this fall. This year’s squad will have to step up as they lost several key players, including star offensive lineman Aljonon Oliver, who transferred to Appalachian State, and other notable talents who have moved on to programs like Ole Miss and Louisville.

In their recent spring game, Venice took on the Naples Golden Eagles and walked away with a nail-biting 34-27 victory. With the regular season approaching, the team is gearing up for a schedule that includes a preseason matchup against Gadsden County and a challenging away game against Tampa Bay Tech. They will also face Miami Northwestern, the reigning Class 3A champions coached by NFL legend Teddy Bridgewater, in a showdown that promises to be thrilling.

Johnnie Jones and College Recruitment

Jones isn’t just a force on the high school circuit; he’s also a highly sought-after recruit. As noted by Sports Illustrated, he has now narrowed his recruitment to six schools: Florida State, Ole Miss, Penn State, UCLA, Colorado, and Vanderbilt. With Florida State looking to enhance their offensive line through strategic recruiting, Jones has become a prime target for the Seminoles. His visit to FSU from May 30 to June 2 has fueled anticipation in Tallahassee.

Florida State’s offensive line coach, Herb Hand, is making significant strides in reinforcing their roster for the class of 2026. With nine verbal commitments already in the pipeline, the Seminoles are eager to boost their ranking, currently sitting at No. 23 nationally. Among the recent additions are several high-profile recruits, including four-star wide receiver Efrem White and four-star running back Amari Thomas, forming a solid backbone for the upcoming season.

The 2026 Florida Recruit Landscape

For those tracking recruitment in Florida, it’s an exciting time with a wealth of talented players on the horizon. According to 247Sports, notable recruits such as Dia Bell from American Heritage and Kaj Baker from Somerset Academy are making waves, showcasing various positions and skills that promise to shape the future of Florida football. As schools ramp up their efforts in the class of 2026, the competition is fierce, and the stakes are high.

With high expectations set for both Johnnie Jones and the Venice High School football team, the upcoming season is sure to be one filled with excitement. Will Venice retain its championship dominance? And what will the future hold for Jones as he navigates his recruiting journey? Stay tuned as we follow these developments closely!