Washington running back Dillon Johnson expected to play in national championship

Washington running back Dillon Johnson is expected to play in Monday’s national championship against Michigan, according to Alyssa Charlston of FOX13 Seattle. Johnson left the Sugar Bowl late on Monday with a leg injury, but X-rays reportedly came back negative.

Johnson still led the team in rushing with 49 yards and two touchdowns in the 37-31 victory against Texas. He has played a big role in the offense this season with 1,162 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns, so his availability will be a big boost for the Huskies.

The running back had been dealing with an injuries long before the setback against the Longhorns. Washington coach Kalen DeBoer revealed postgame that Johnson has been playing injured for “the last couple months.”

Johnson had to be carted off the field following his injury in the Sugar Bowl, which raised some concerns about him playing in the national title. However, it now appears that he will attempt to tough it out as the Huskies aim to win it all.

He’s a tough, tough guy,” DeBoer said. “Tough kid. Not a kid anymore but tough player for us. He’s just been so strong and keeps pushing forward. It goes back to two or three weeks left to go in the season when really this injury happened. Based on what I understand.”

Johnson has put together a number of big performances this season, including a 152-yard and two touchdowns. This is his first season at Washington after playing three at Mississippi State under Mike Leach.

He’ll aim to keep up the big performances when the national title kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday.

Kalen DeBoer explains Dillon Johnson’s importance to Washington’s undefeated season

Following the Pac-12 Championship Game, Kalen DeBoer emphasized how important Dillon Johnson was to Washington’s undefeated season.

“[He helps us] find the ability to be balanced when teams forced us to run the football,” DeBoer said.

“The offensive line and DJ worked hand-in-hand and a lot of confidence each other. He’s just been a workhorse. He’s got the explosive plays with those hard yards, he find a ways to get in the end zone, move the chains on on third and short, fourth and short. He’s done it consistently here for the last five weeks.”

Now, he heads into the College Football Playoff totaling 201 carries for 1,113 yards and 14 touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards per carry. He has also contributed 148 yards on the receiving end of things as well.