Montrell Johnson Jr., Florida RB: Emerging as Key Offensive Weapon for Gators in 2025 Season
Montrell Johnson Jr. has become a cornerstone of the Florida Gators’ offense over the past two seasons. The 5’11”, 216-pound senior led the team in rushing for the second consecutive year in 2023, accumulating 817 yards while averaging an impressive 5.4 yards per carry. His consistency in the backfield has provided stability for a Gators program looking to climb back into SEC contention.
Johnson’s journey to Gainesville included a successful stint with the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns before following coach Billy Napier to Florida, where he has established himself as one of the SEC’s more reliable running backs. The New Orleans native combines power running with enough burst to break long gains, making him a complete back who rarely leaves the field in crucial situations.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Johnson’s draft stock continues to rise. NFL scouts have noted his vision and ability to gain yards after contact, though questions remain about his top-end speed at the next level. His experience in a pro-style offense and proven durability will certainly appeal to teams looking for a day-two selection who can contribute immediately to an NFL backfield rotation.
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Early Life and High School Career
Montrell Johnson Jr. developed his football skills in Louisiana, where he attended De La Salle High School. His natural talent quickly became evident on the field.
Johnson was highly regarded coming out of high school, ranked as the No. 48 running back in the nation according to 247Sports. This ranking placed him firmly on the radar of several major college programs.
At De La Salle, Johnson led his team to their second appearance in the State Championship, showcasing his ability to elevate his team’s performance in crucial situations. His leadership qualities were apparent even then.
Before his senior year, Johnson helped Holy Cross to a 5-6 record as a junior, including a first-round playoff appearance in the Louisiana Division I bracket. This experience in playoff football would prove valuable in his later career.
His high school statistics demonstrated why he was so highly sought after:
| Season | Rushing Yards | Touchdowns | Yards Per Carry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 1,350+ | 15 | 6.2 |
| Senior | 1,600+ | 18 | 7.1 |
Johnson’s combination of power and speed made him stand out among Louisiana prospects, with his frame and running style suggesting potential for growth at the collegiate level.
College Career
Montrell Johnson Jr. has established himself as a cornerstone of the Florida Gators’ rushing attack since arriving in Gainesville. His powerful running style and consistent production have made him one of the SEC’s most reliable backs.
Transition to the Florida Gators
Johnson began his collegiate career at Louisiana before following coach Billy Napier to Florida. The transition proved seamless as Johnson immediately stepped into a featured role in the Gators’ backfield. His familiarity with Napier’s system allowed him to hit the ground running in the SEC, where competition is notably fiercer than in the Sun Belt.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound back showed no signs of being intimidated by the elevated competition level. Johnson’s quick adaptation to SEC play demonstrated his natural talent and work ethic. He quickly established himself as Florida’s primary ball carrier, earning the trust of the coaching staff with his consistency and durability.
Teammates and coaches frequently praise Johnson’s professional approach to preparation and his willingness to embrace the physical aspects of SEC football.
Rushing Statistics
Johnson has been remarkably consistent throughout his Florida career. He led the Gators in rushing yards (817) for the second straight season in his most recent campaign, averaging an impressive 5.4 yards per carry and 68.0 yards per game.
His rushing production has made him one of the more reliable backs in the conference. Johnson’s ability to consistently generate positive yardage has been crucial for maintaining offensive balance in Florida’s attack.
Montrell Johnson Jr. Career Rushing Statistics
| Season | School | Games | Attempts | Yards | Avg | TD | Yards/Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Louisiana | 13 | 162 | 838 | 5.2 | 12 | 64.5 |
| 2022 | Florida | 13 | 186 | 841 | 4.5 | 10 | 64.7 |
| 2023 | Florida | 12 | 152 | 817 | 5.4 | 6 | 68.0 |
Johnson’s consistent production across three collegiate seasons shows his reliability and durability as a feature back.
Scoring Highlights
Johnson has proven to be a reliable scoring threat throughout his college career. During his time at Louisiana, he found the end zone 12 times as a freshman. His nose for the goal line continued at Florida, where he scored six touchdowns in his most recent campaign.
His ability to convert in short-yardage and goal-line situations has made him a valuable red zone weapon. Johnson’s powerful running style and good vision make him particularly effective near the goal line.
Some of Johnson’s most memorable scoring moments have come in crucial SEC matchups. His touchdown production has been consistent year over year, giving the Gators a reliable scoring option in their ground game.
Receiving Capabilities
While primarily known for his rushing prowess, Johnson has developed his receiving skills to become a more complete back. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds another dimension to Florida’s offense.
Johnson’s receiving capabilities make him a three-down back who doesn’t need to leave the field in passing situations. This versatility increases his value to the offense and helps keep defenses guessing.
His hands have improved throughout his college career, making him increasingly reliable on swing passes and screen plays. While not used extensively in the passing game, Johnson has shown he can be effective when targeted.
This development as a receiver will likely boost his NFL draft stock, as professional teams increasingly value backs who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Total Offense Contribution
Johnson’s total offensive contribution extends beyond just statistics. His ability to pass protect, convert crucial third downs, and wear down defenses makes him an integral part of Florida’s offensive identity.
NFL scouts have taken notice of Johnson’s complete skill set. His combination of rushing productivity, receiving capability, and pass protection make him a legitimate NFL prospect. Current projections have him as a mid-to-late round selection with upside.
Johnson’s total offense numbers across his collegiate career:
- Total rushing yards: 2,496+
- Total touchdowns: 28+
- Career yards per carry: 5.0+
His consistency, durability, and production in the challenging SEC environment speak volumes about his potential at the next level. Johnson’s willingness to embrace contact while still showing enough elusiveness to create big plays gives him a well-rounded profile that NFL teams covet in mid-round running back prospects.
Game Performance
Montrell Johnson Jr. has established himself as one of Florida’s most reliable offensive weapons. His consistent production and big-play ability have made him a standout in the Gators’ backfield throughout his career.
Significant Games
Johnson’s ability to take over games has been evident throughout his Florida career. Against Tennessee in 2024, he rushed for 127 yards and 2 touchdowns, showing his knack for performing in rivalry matchups.
His career-best performance came against Vanderbilt in 2023, where he racked up 135 rushing yards on just 18 carries. What makes Johnson special isn’t just the yardage totals but the timing – he consistently delivers in critical moments.
In SEC play, Johnson has been particularly effective against Georgia, averaging 5.8 yards per carry across his matchups with the Bulldogs. His vision in finding cutback lanes against aggressive defenses has become his trademark.
Yards from Scrimmage
Johnson’s versatility makes him a true three-down back. In 2024, he’s already accumulated 593 rushing yards through his first 100 carries, maintaining an impressive 5.9 yards per carry average.
His total yards from scrimmage have been climbing steadily each season at Florida. Johnson has developed into a reliable receiver out of the backfield, adding another dimension to his game that NFL scouts are noticing.
2023-2024 Scrimmage Yards Breakdown:
| Season | Rushing Yards | Receiving Yards | Total Yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 817 | 132 | 949 | 6 |
| 2024* | 593 | 87 | 680 | 6 |
| *2024 season in progress |
Game Log Overview
Johnson’s consistency has been impressive this season. He’s scored six touchdowns already in 2024, with multiple 100+ yard rushing performances.
His efficiency metrics tell the story of a complete back. Johnson rarely goes down on first contact, averaging 3.1 yards after contact this season – a statistic that has NFL evaluators projecting him as a potential Day 2 draft pick.
At the NFL Combine, Johnson impressed with a 4.41 40-yard dash, showcasing the speed that complements his power running style. This combination of attributes shows up consistently in his game logs.
Season-by-Season Analysis
Montrell Johnson Jr. has shown remarkable development during his college career, establishing himself as Florida’s premier running back with consistent production. His journey from Louisiana to becoming the Gators’ leading rusher demonstrates his durability and talent progression.
Freshman Year
Johnson began his collegiate career at Louisiana, not Florida, where he made an immediate impact in 2021. Under then-coach Billy Napier, Johnson rushed for over 800 yards as a true freshman for the Ragin’ Cajuns.
His explosive running style and ability to break tackles caught attention early. Johnson displayed natural vision and patience uncommon for a freshman back.
Sophomore Progress
Johnson transferred to Florida in 2022. Against SEC competition, he didn’t miss a beat. He appeared in 12 games and quickly established himself as the Gators’ primary rushing threat.
Johnson’s sophomore campaign saw him take a significant step forward. He led the team in rushing with impressive consistency against much tougher defenses than he faced at Louisiana.
His yards-per-carry average hovered above 5.0. This showed efficiency even when defenses keyed on stopping him. Johnson demonstrated improved pass protection skills and began to contribute more in the passing game, though his receiving numbers remained modest with just 6 receptions for 53 yards.
Junior Year Leap
The 2023 season represented Johnson’s full arrival as an SEC standout. For the second consecutive year, he led the Gators in rushing with 817 yards while maintaining an impressive 5.4 yards per carry average.
Johnson’s reliability became his calling card. He averaged 68.0 yards per game and found the end zone six times. His vision and patience as a runner continued to improve, allowing him to exploit the smallest gaps in defensive fronts.
| 2023 Season Stats | Total |
|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 817 |
| Yards Per Carry | 5.4 |
| Rushing TDs | 6 |
| Yards Per Game | 68.0 |
What impressed scouts most was Johnson’s ability to produce despite Florida’s inconsistent passing attack. Defenses frequently stacked the box against him, yet he maintained efficiency.
Senior Season Expectations
As Johnson enters his senior campaign in 2025, NFL scouts are watching closely. His combination of vision, power, and balance makes him an intriguing day two draft prospect.
The expectations for Johnson’s final season center around reaching the 1,000-yard milestone that has eluded him thus far. With Florida’s offensive line expected to improve, Johnson has the opportunity to boost his draft stock significantly.
Johnson needs to demonstrate more receiving ability to become a complete three-down back at the next level. This aspect of his game will be crucial for his draft positioning.
His situational effectiveness on third downs and in the red zone will be carefully tracked by scouts. Johnson’s already proven himself as a reliable short-yardage option, but expanding his versatility could vault him into the early rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Skill Set and Player Style
Montrell Johnson Jr. brings a blend of power and speed to Florida’s backfield that has made him a standout performer for consecutive seasons. His running style combines physicality with surprising burst, while his versatility makes him a complete back in today’s NFL-centric offensive schemes.
Running Style
Johnson possesses a punishing north-south running style that wears down defenses over four quarters. At 5-11⅜ and 212 pounds, he runs with excellent power and good speed, consistently falling forward for extra yardage.
His 4.41 40-yard dash speed isn’t just a combine number – it translates directly to the field where he shows excellent burst through holes. Johnson doesn’t dance behind the line but instead makes one decisive cut and accelerates.
What separates him from other power backs is his contact balance. He maintains his footing through arm tackles and consistently churns out yards after contact. This physical style has been the cornerstone of Florida’s ground attack since his arrival from Louisiana.
Versatility and All-Purpose Running
Johnson has evolved into a true three-down back during his time with the Gators. While his power running remains his calling card, he’s also developed reliable hands out of the backfield and improved as a pass protector.
In 2023, he led the team with 817 rushing yards while averaging 5.4 yards per carry and 68.0 yards per game. What doesn’t show up in basic stats is his effectiveness in crucial situations.
| Category | 2023 Stats |
|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 817 |
| Yards Per Carry | 5.4 |
| Touchdowns | 6 |
| Yards Per Game | 68.0 |
His willingness to block in pass protection has earned him additional snaps, and his natural power makes him effective picking up blitzers. Johnson has shown steady improvement in his route-running, making him increasingly dangerous on screens and swing passes.
Strengths and Areas for Improvement
Johnson’s most obvious strength is his translatable traits to the NFL level. His combination of size, speed, and power fits the prototype of what teams seek in early-down backs. His vision is underrated – he consistently finds cutback lanes and shows patience waiting for blocks to develop.
Decision-making is another plus. Johnson rarely makes the wrong read and maximizes available yardage on nearly every carry.
Areas for improvement include expanding his route tree in the passing game. While competent as a receiver, he could become more dynamic with a wider array of routes beyond check-downs and screens.
Ball security has been generally solid, though he could improve how he carries the ball in traffic. NFL scouts will want to see continued development as a pass-catcher to elevate his draft stock from a likely mid-round selection to potential early Day 2 consideration.
Off-Field Contributions
Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Montrell Johnson Jr. has made significant impacts within the Florida Gators community. His leadership extends well beyond game days, serving as a mentor to younger running backs in the program.
Johnson has been particularly active in local Gainesville youth initiatives, participating in reading programs at elementary schools and football camps for underprivileged children.
His teammates regularly point to his work ethic as contagious. While Jabbar Juluke noted Johnson’s influence will be missed, his impact on the running back room culture should remain long after his departure.
Johnson has maintained a solid academic standing throughout his collegiate career, balancing the demands of SEC football with classroom responsibilities. This commitment to excellence in multiple areas reflects his character.
During injury recovery following an arthroscopic procedure on his knee, Johnson remained engaged with the team, providing sideline support and analysis for younger players.
| Johnson’s Community Impact | Details |
|---|---|
| Youth Programs | Reading initiatives, football camps |
| Team Leadership | Mentoring younger RBs, culture-setting |
| Academic Standing | Consistent classroom performance |
| Campus Involvement | Student-athlete representative events |
His invitation to both the East-West Shrine Bowl and 2025 Hula Bowl speaks to his reputation both on and off the field. NFL scouts have taken notice of his character alongside his playing ability.
Future Prospects
Montrell Johnson Jr. has positioned himself as a compelling prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. After declaring his intentions to go pro, Johnson’s stock continues to rise as scouts dissect his combination of size and speed.
At the NFL Combine, Johnson impressed evaluators with his measurables. He stands at 5’11 3/8″ and weighs 212 pounds. He also ran a blazing 4.41 40-yard dash, presenting himself as a complete package at the running back position.
Johnson is somewhat overlooked in this draft class despite his production and physical traits. His translatable skills make him particularly appealing to NFL teams looking for day-one contributors.
| Measurable | Result |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’11 3/8″ |
| Weight | 212 lbs |
| 40-Time | 4.41 |
| Draft Projection | Rounds 3-4 |
What separates Johnson is his three-down potential. Unlike many collegiate backs, he has demonstrated proficiency in:
- Pass protection
- Receiving ability
- Short-yardage situations
- Open-field elusiveness
Johnson’s departure has left a void in the Gators’ backfield. Younger players like Jadan Baugh are now stepping into larger roles.
While not projected as a first-round selection, Johnson could be one of those mid-round gems who outperforms his draft position. Teams with zone-blocking schemes will particularly value his one-cut ability and decisive running style.
