Florida's leading rusher expects even more touches in 2024

The Florida Gators are preparing to have a workhorse running back in 2024.

Montrell Johnson Jr. has played a key role in the Gators offense over the last few seasons, even leading the team in rushing this past year with 817 yards on the ground. However, Johnson has always been a part of a rotation of backs that's featured the likes of Emory Jones, Dameon Pierce, and most recently Trevor Etienne.

However, the backfield opened up over the offseason when Etienne transferred to play for the rival Georgia Bulldogs. Johnson talked about the opportunity that came with that transfer during SEC Media Days.

“I expect to get the ball more coming into the future this next season,” Johnson told reporters . “I’m not too worried about it because I feel like I can hold the load on my own and just going out there and making sure I play mistake-free football.”

Expectations will be high for Johnson as the workhorse back. After rushing for 838 yards and 12 touchdowns as a true freshman with the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns, Johnson transferred to Florida for the 2022 season. He's had similar success over two years with the Gators, racking up over 1,650 yards and 15 touchdowns while averaging 5.4 yards per carry.

Johnson is one of four Florida players named to the preseason All-SEC team by media members heading into this season. With Etienne gone and plenty of carries up for grabs, Johnson could finally eclipse 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his college career, just in time to make a name for himself and potentially prepare for the 2025 draft.