Florida Running Back Montrell Johnson Cleared to Play Against No. 19 Miami Following Knee Scope
Florida running back Montrell Johnson has received the green light to play in Saturday’s crucial matchup against No. 19 Miami, providing a significant boost to the Gators’ lineup. Johnson, who had been sidelined due to a knee injury sustained early in training camp, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. After a period of rehabilitation, he has returned to practice and was officially listed as a starter for the upcoming game.
Coach Billy Napier confirmed Johnson’s readiness during a post-practice interview on Wednesday night. “If he’s on that depth chart — at the top of the list – that means he’s ready to go,” Napier stated. Johnson’s return comes as a major relief for the Gators, who are facing a formidable opponent in Miami. His experience and skill set will be invaluable as Florida looks to overcome the challenge posed by the ranked Hurricanes.
Johnson’s journey with the Gators has been marked by consistency and productivity. Since joining Florida from Louisiana-Lafayette, he has accumulated an impressive 1,658 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns over two seasons. His contributions have been pivotal, even with the presence of fellow running back Trevor Etienne, who has now transferred to Georgia. With Etienne’s departure, Johnson was anticipated to assume a more prominent role in the Gators’ offense this season.
The knee injury, though a setback, provided an unexpected opportunity for other players to gain experience. Sophomore Treyaun Webb, along with freshmen Jaden Baugh and KD Daniels, benefited from increased repetitions during camp. Napier described the injury as a “blessing in disguise,” noting that it allowed younger players to develop and prepare for future roles.
Despite the interruption to his season, Johnson’s return to the field is expected to have an immediate impact. Napier emphasized Johnson’s extensive experience and his significant contributions to the team. “He has tremendous experience,” Napier said. “This will be his fourth year with us in the system, and obviously he’s been very productive. He’s one of the few rushers in the country that’s approaching 2,500 yards. Montrell’s a smart player. He’s got poise. He has composure. He’s one of the best practice players that we have, and he has character.”
Johnson’s return has also been met with enthusiasm from his teammates. Guard Knijeah Harris expressed his excitement, highlighting the value of having a veteran presence like Johnson back on the field. “It’s going to mean a lot, veteran guy, love it for him,” Harris said. “Just excited to see him get loose.”
As the Gators prepare for their clash with Miami, Johnson’s presence will undoubtedly add strength to their offense. His ability to perform under pressure and his track record of reliability make him a key player to watch in what promises to be a highly competitive game. The matchup against No. 19 Miami will be a critical test for Florida, and Johnson’s return could prove to be a game-changer for the Gators as they aim to secure a significant victory.
