Montrell Johnson Jr., RB, Florida
Size:
Height: 5113
Weight: 212
Arm: 30 ¾”
Hand: 9 ¼”
Accomplishments:
Sun Belt Freshman of the Year (2021)
“Montrell Johnson Jr. has a nice blend of vision and power to become a productive in-between-the-tackles runner in the NFL.”
Strengths:
Good vision
Runs through initial contact
Effective runner between tackles
High IQ
Concerns:
Top-end speed
Elusiveness in the open field
Contact balance
Film Analysis:
Montrell Johnson Jr. transferred to Florida after proving to be one of the more talented running backs in the Sun Belt. At Florida, Johnson serves as a downhill back who runs with physicality and works to establish an offensive identity of being physical. At 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, Johnson has ideal NFL measurable combined with the vision and natural instincts that will allow him to be a productive NFL running back.
As a runner, Johnson appears to play best in gap/power-designed runs where he can quickly get his pads north and south. Once he has the ball, Johnson does a good job of quickly identifying both open holes and penetrating defenders and works to get into open creases to pick up positive yardage. Johnson's IQ is evident in how he will be patient enough to let the blocks develop and when he feels comfortable will show a quick burst and accelerate through the hole. Working to the second level, Johnson runs behind his pads with good pad level and runs through initial contact to finish runs. Johnson is a player who usually falls forward and when working downhill, his carries rarely result in negative plays. In the open field, Johnson understands that he may not outrun defenders before he is tackled and will work to throw a stiff arm and finish the run strong.
Johnson's areas of concern start with what appears to be limited top-end athleticism. This limitation affects multiple parts of Johnson’s game. Because Johnson has good vision he often runs to openings and will get in the open field. However, because he lacks top-end speed, runs that could be converted into large chunk plays end up being effective but moderate gains. Johnson is also listed in his ability to ultimately create positive plays when the blocking upfront is not ideal.
Overall, Johnson will be most productive in a gap/power scheme where he can use his vision and IQ and run behind his frame to pick up positive yards for an NFL offense.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific Contributor
Written By: Keith Sanchez
