Montrell Johnson Jr. underwent surgery last week after suffering a knee injury in practice at the Florida fall camp. The running back is anticipated to play a vital role for the Gators in the upcoming season following the exit of last season’s top back Trevor Etienne this offseason.
Florida coach Billy Napier gave an update on the injury situation of Montrell Johnson Jr. during his midweek press conference on Wednesday. The coach made it known that the running has been listed week-to-week while they hope for the best as the 2024 season draws closer. (Start at 3:00)
“Montrell’s doing great, first of all. … He’s week to week,” Napier said. “He’s already on his feet, he’s made significant progress. It will be one week at a time. We’re gonna go at his pace. But we do anticipate it being a very minor issue.”
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“When we get him back is to be determined. But I think he’s in a good place relative to maybe other situations like that that have been out there in the past.”
Florida’s running back depth following Montrell Johnson’s injury
Florida has a host of talents in its running back room despite the departure of Trevor Etienne and the recent injury to Montrell Johnson Jr. However, the experience is not really there as the four running options for the Gators after Johnson are all underclassmen.
Nonetheless, Billy Napier sees the positivity that comes with the current situation. In his press conference, he pointed out sophomore Treyaun Webb as a player who could make an impact while expressing confidence in the ability of the other three running backs. (Start at 3:42)
“We’ve got four good players, Treyaun being the one player who’s had some significant time,” Napier said. “He played quite a bit last year, at times. The other three are inexperienced but have ability. It’s almost a blessing in disguise, to some degree, that they’re getting meaningful reps.”
It remains unknown how long Montrell Johnson Jr. will be out of action but there’s a chance he won’t be available for the Gators’ opener against Miami on Aug. 31. Treyaun Webb, who saw some minutes in his freshman season, is set to play a prominent role in Johnson’s absence.
Johnson was Florida’s leading rusher for the past two seasons, including an 817-yard, and five-touchdown performance last season. Having shared carries with Trevor Etienne in 2022 and 2023, Johnson is bound for an increased workload following Etienne’s transfer to Georgia.
Florida has one of the toughest schedules in college football in the upcoming season and the availability of offensive firepower like Montrell Johnson Jr. is crucial.
Edited by Brad Taningco
