Florida Gators RB Montrell Johnson Jr. reveals plans for 2024

On3 imageby:Zach Abolverdi•01/12/24•

ZachAbolverdi

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Montrell Johnson Jr. is running it back.

Florida’s starting running back has decided to return for his senior season, he told Gators Online in an exclusive interview Friday.

“To the Gator fans, I just want y’all to know you’re going to get everything out of me this year. And I appreciate y’all through everything, thick and thin,” Johnson said.

Johnson has led UF in rushing and averaged 5.4 yards per carry in each of the last two years, totaling 817 yards and five touchdowns in 2023 after 841 yards and 10 TDs in 2022.

Johnson was more involved in the passing game this past season, catching 30 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown. He had three 100-yard rushing performances as well.

Following his junior season, he met with his mother back home in New Orleans and weighed his options on entering the NFL Draft or coming back to school to earn his degree.

Johnson decided to return to UF before Christmas break, letting his mom know his plans along with Florida running backs coach Jabbar Juluke. He had until Jan. 15 to declare.

“Me and my mom sat down and thought about it thoroughly,” he said. “Just praying about it, I’m like, I think I should go back, spend another year with this staff, get my degree.

“And last season left a terrible taste in my mouth. That kind of played a factor. I didn’t want to go out like that at all. And I feel like this year is going to be a whole lot different.”

Johnson, who will graduate in December, also eclipsed 800 yards in his freshman season at Louisiana (838, 12 TDs) and was named the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year.

Heading into his senior season, Johnson wants to be more involved on special teams to boost his draft stock and aims to become Florida’s first 1,000-yard back since 2015.

“I need to play more special teams. I barely played special teams last year and I feel like special teams is a key role in the NFL. Also getting catching the ball out of the backfield. It’s a passing league now, so you gotta be an every-down back,” he said.

“I was getting third-round to fifth-round grades and I didn’t really like it, so I want to come back and improve it, and that’s what I’m doing. I’ve hit 800 yards throughout all my three seasons. I’m trying to hit 1,000 yards this year.”

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