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Florida running back Montrell Johnson announced his intent to enter the 2025 NFL Draft on Sunday. The former Louisiana transfer is forgoing his final year of eligibility.
Johnson followed his head coach from Lafayette to Gainesville when Billy Napier took the lead gig at Florida. With the Ragin’ Cajun, Johnson was the Sun Belt’s Freshman of the Year, as he ran for 838 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2021, helping lead his club to a 13-1 season, Sun Belt title and New Orleans Bowl win.
He picked right up where he left off at Florida in 2022, as Johnson racked up a career-high 841 yards and 10 touchdowns in that season, ranking first on the team in both categories. Johnson continued his strong play in 2023, as he again led the team with 817 rushing yards and also tacked on 5 scores.
But with the emergence of freshman Jaden Baugh and sophomore Jakobi Jackson this past season, Johnson’s stats took a hit in a more by-committee approach. He was also hampered by injuries in 2024, which caused him to miss games against Kentucky and Georgia.
With Johnson’s announcement, it seems clear that the 1-2 punch of Baugh and Jackson will be the focal point of Florida’s rushing attack next season.
Current Missouri student entering my third year of covering Tiger football and basketball. Contributor to The Transfer Portal CFB and overall college athletics enthusiast.
