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Florida snags transfer running back Montrell Johnson from Louisiana

On3 imageby: Donavon Keiser01/13/22KeiserDonavon
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NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 18: Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns running back Montrell Johnson (4) runs during the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl between the Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns and the Marshall Thundering Herd on December 18, 2021, the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, LA. (Photo by Chris McDill/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

With many transfers throughout the nation deciding their next spots before spring ball, Florida landed transfer running back prospect Montrell Johnson.

The New Orleans, Louisiana native played under Billy Napier at UL, and now he will follow his head coach to The Swamp.

Florida adds another piece to the running back room

Johnson entered the transfer portal on January 4th and showed up in UF’s student portal on January 10th, one day before the end of the drop/add period. The Sun Belt Freshman of the Year committed to Arizona before signing with the Cajuns but will now head to Gainesville to finish his college career.

The 5-foot-11, 210 pound back exploded in his freshman season, recording 838 rushing yards on 162 attempts, adding another 12 touchdowns to his stat line. In late October, Johnson also ran for a 99-yard touchdown against Arkansas State, showing off his impressive burst and long speed.

The true freshman will have at least three years of eligibility as he plays with Florida. Johnson could contribute early with the lack of depth at the running back position and the familiarity with the staff and scheme. New UF running backs coach Jabbar Juluke coached Johnson at UL.

Once Napier left Louisiana, several Ragin’ Cajuns, including offensive tackle O’Cyrus Torrence, cornerback Mekhi Garner and wide receiver Kyren Lacy, entered the transfer portal.

Another UL transfer, running back Emani Bailey, committed to TCU over the weekend. With the NCAA’s new one-time transfer rule, those former Ragin’ Cajuns do not have to sit out a year if they want to follow their former coach to the Florida Gators.

Napier already snatched one former UL signee, offensive tackle Kamryn Waites. The 6-foot-8, 358-pound prospect enrolled at Florida last week.

Johnson joins the running back room with Demarkcus Bowman, Lorenzo Lingard, Nay’Quan Wright and 2022 commit Trevor Etienne.

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