By Alec Nederveld
After beating Oregon 34-31 to win the Pac-12 and clinch a playoff birth, much media attention went to Michael Penix Jr. and his receivers. As much credit as they deserve, RB Dillon Johnson should be getting more respect for his substantial role with the Huskies.
A senior who transferred after three seasons, 35 games, and 14 starts with Mississippi State has found a much larger role after leaving Mike Leach’s Air Raid Offense. Johnson is tied for second in the Pac-12 for touchdowns with 14, only sitting behind teammate Rome Odunze. Besides that, he has 201 carries for 1,113 rushing yards, 19 receptions, 148 receiving yards, and a passing touchdown.
In the Huskies’ biggest games, Johnson has delivered. In the first Oregon matchup, Johnson ran for 100 yards, his first career 100-yard game with a second-quarter touchdown vs the #8 team. Three weeks later, Johnson dominated #24 USC with 256 yards and four scores on the ground in the 52-42 shootout. In the very next game, he followed it up with 104 yards and another touchdown in a 35-28 win over #13 Utah.
On Friday, Johnson again came in clutch. Rushing for a career-high 28 carries despite being banged up from the Oregon State win two weeks prior. He gained 152 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, churning out many important runs such as a 3rd and 1 with 4:12 left and the game-sealing 3rd and nine with :53 to play. Johnson added two passes from quick flips to Germie Brenard, one going for a touchdown.
Schematically, Washington spreads defenses out and forces them to play back because of the big play risk. This leads to lighter boxes for Johnson to take advantage of, and the Huskies’ veteran O-Line gives enough of a hole to run through. From there, it takes multiple guys to bring down his 6’0” 218-pound frame. He also has excellent vision and finds cut-back lanes.
The emergence of a run game, sparked from Johnson is the biggest reason for Washington’s improved success this year. Yes, a second season under Kalen DeBoer and development in a veteran team helps, just not like the balance afforded by a 1,000-yard rusher.
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Without Johnson, the Huskies aren’t 13-0 and two games away from a National Championship. They need him to show up again in the upcoming semifinal matchup to shift the pressure off Penix and keep title dreams alive.
DILLON JOHNSON CALLS GAME!#WASHINGTON WINS THE FINAL PAC-12 CHAMPIONSHIP 🏆
(🎥: @BleacherReport)#USvsUS | @Dill_7k pic.twitter.com/MqQwEJu2bx
— The Athletes Plug (@TheAthletesPlug) December 2, 2023
