Johnson Eager For First Start, Ready to Experience Husky Stadium on Game Day

Dillon Johnson is expected carry the load in Saturday's season-opening contest against Boise State after being named Washington's starting running back on Monday.

Johnson, a junior transfer from Mississippi State, already has played in Pac-12 country having faced Arizona in Tucson last season. He stated 14 of 35 games for the SEC school.

Facing the visiting Broncos this weekend with more than 67,000-plus UW fans is something Johnson has been looking forward to since he joined the program back in March.

"I think it's going to be electric," Johnson said after Tuesday's practice.

Johnson will have a dozen family members come up from the South for the home opener against Boise State along with his son, who just turned one on August 8.

"I'm excited to be a part of this crazy environment," he said. "This amazing stadium, it's awesome, especially [with] my family coming up here I get to see my son. And then it's his first game so that makes it even better."

After fellow junior Cameron Davis suffered a season-ending injury in the final scrimmage of fall camp, Johnson was one of a few players considered a candidate to become the Huskies starter.

Davis' injury hit Johnson hard and left him emotional..

"the first time I came in to try talk to him I just broke down," he said. "He's a brother, he's my brother. You never want to see your brother like that and you never want to see your brother hurt."

On Monday, the UW released its first depth chart of the season with Johnson as the clear No. 1 back ahead of sophomore Will Nixon.

In the last week of camp, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said he was still looking to see one or even two players emerge at the position.

"It'll be a combination of a bunch of guys," Grubb said during his press conference on Monday.

Johnson should be able to handle 15-20 carries per game in Grubb's eyes, but limiting his touches early is also on the staff's mind with his injury history.

Last season he missed one game after suffering a knee injury that required minor surgery and a second procedure in Seattle.

With Nixon and fellow transfer Daniyel Ngata as the best options at running back behind Johnson, all three are expected to play a significant role against Boise State.

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