CJ Johnson continued the wave of players joining Hugh Freeze to rebuild Auburn football.

The fifth commit of the weekend is a three-star high schooler from Katy, Texas, ranked as the No. 62 safety in the 247Sports Composite. Johnson fielded late offers from Louisville, Nebraska and the Tigers before becoming the fifth defensive back in the 2023 class for Auburn.

The Tigers announced Johnson’s signing shortly after his public announcement on Sunday afternoon. Auburn is up to 18th on the 247Sports Composite team rankings with the addition and eighth in the Southeastern Conference.

For the five-win Panthers this fall, Johnson made 50 tackles and recovered two fumbles. At 6-foot-3, 193-pounds, Johnson can develop into another rotational piece as Zac Etheridge reshapes the secondary. Etheridge and fellow cornerbacks coach Wesley McGriff was listed as Johnson’s primary recruiters.

The latest string of signees helped continue a recruiting charge started by Cadillac Williams midseason and continued by Freeze and co. into the winter. In addition to the offensive and defensive lines, the secondary has been another area of emphasis.

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Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].