Kalen DeBoer details Dillon Johnson's importance to Washington
Washington has made it to the national championship game following an impressive undefeated season and College Football Playoff Semifinal win over Texas on Monday.
Their high-flying passing attack led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leads the nation in yards per game through the air and has been a pivotal key to their success this season. But their run game spearheaded by running back Dillon Johnson has also been crucial for the Huskies, and following their Sugar Bowl win, head coach Kalen DeBoer pulled back the curtain on just how important Johnson is to Washington.
“Yeah, I think he’s just really established himself the second half of the season, both at running the football, which I know was everyone’s theme, just the big games he’s had and the physicality he brings,” DeBoer said. “He is very much in sync with our offensive line. Trusts them a lot, they trust him, and go the extra mile to pave the way for him to get the yards he has.”
Johnson really came on strong for the Huskies during the back half of the season, highlighted by his dominant performance against USC where he rushed for 256 yards and four touchdowns.
This season Johnson has rushed for over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career, also reaching the end zone a career-high 16 times. But aside from his physical and productive running, he’s also helped the Washington offense in other more obscure ways to a casual viewer.
“I think the other piece is we have other guys that do a really good job, too, but he is just a solid player all around and does a solid job of pass protection and keeping the pocket clean for Mike. Smart football player, understands his responsibilities, but physically able to take on all the different types of bodies that come at him pressure-wise or just helping in protection,” DeBoer explained.
Dillon Johnson has been doing it all for the Huskies this season, joining the team this offseason through the transfer portal after spending three seasons at Mississippi State and becoming one of Washington’s most impactful additions.
“Him being a first-year guy with us, he’s really the second half of the year come along as the reps have added up, and he gets more opportunities. He’s a big piece to it,” Deboer said. “I don’t think I’d be able to sell it any other way. I think everyone would see through that.”
Johnson rushed for 49 yards and two touchdowns against the Longhorns before leaving the game with an injury.
After the game, DeBoer revealed that the injury is actually a re-aggravation of one that Johnson has been battling for some time now, which has not been evident from the way he has been playing late in the season. He still expects Johnson to play in the national championship game, but there’s no question that his presence will be missed if he’s unavailable.
“We have other guys that are ready to go if he’s not able to step out there, but Dillon is I know going to do everything he can because he’s putting his heart and soul into this season, this team all year long,” DeBoer concluded.
Washington takes on Michigan next Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET in a game airing on ESPN, and hopefully Dillon Johnson will be available for the Huskies