No Mississippi Mystery, Johnson Ready to Provide Added Husky Firepower

The former SEC running back appears fully healthy.

Two weeks before the season opener against Boise State and four months following his arrival in Seattle, the University of Washington finally pulled the wraps off running back Dillon Johnson and let outsiders get a close-up look at him.

Meeting with the media, the Mississippi State transfer proved to be personable, a physical specimen as advertised and, if all goes well, maybe prophetic.

"I feel we have the best offense in the country," Johnson said with a noticeable Southern drawl, all of this coming from a guy who played three seasons for the late Mike Leach.

If healthy, and he's had two knee surgeries in less than a year, Johnson could be the final linchpin piece for a high-powered Husky offense that is turning ridiculous in the amount of firepower it has accumulated.

Even while playing for Leach's Air Raid attack, the Mississippi native expressed amazement over what he's getting into in Montlake, beginning with quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

"Mike threw a ball yesterday to Rome I ain't never seen anything like that," Johnson said.

Dillon Johnson has a power game to go with his quickness, showing it off here for Mississippi State against Kentucky :: Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

While junior Cam Davis is pegged as the starter, Johnson brings a back as powerful and as well-rounded as any bidding for UW playing time.

In the SEC, the 6-foot, 218-pound Johnson rushed 229 times for 1,198 yards and 11 touchdowns, while catching 149 passes for 864 yards and a score, including an amazing 65 receptions in 2021 alone.

He's encouraged over the possibilities of a Ryan Grubb offense, which offers him a lot more nuances to showcase his talents.

"Coach Grubb does a great job of putting us in different positions and different scenarios to show our complete skill sets," he said.

Dillon Johnson lined up behind Tybo Rogers during spring football.  / Skylar Lin Visuals

Once he entered the transfer portal, Johnson heard from the UW before anyone else, setting in motion his move to Seattle. Fellow SEC entry Auburn made a strong pitch for him, as well. 

One little hitch for Johnson was he injured his knee and had surgery during the season a year ago, and reported to UW spring ball, practiced twice, had a setback and underwent a second surgery.

In recent weeks, the Huskies have eased him into the scrimmage sets more and more. Johnson, who in his brief April appearance showed off a burst combined with a stealthy stiff arm, says he feels healthy again. 

He's as upbeat as can be about taking part in the anticipated UW fireworks this fall. He's going to show it rather than try to verbalize it.

"People on the outside really can't understand, won't really be able to understand, how special this offense is going to be," Johnson said. "You've just got to be there, I'm just going to say, to really understand how special this group is."

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