UF top rusher Montrell Johnson Jr. returns for Gators against No. 19 Miami

GAINESVILLE — Florida will have veteran tailback Montrell Johnson Jr. back in the lineup to challenge Miami’s talented defensive front when the Gators host the No. 19 Hurricanes Saturday in the Swamp.

Johnson underwent minor knee surgery during the first week of fall camp, jeopardizing the start of his senior season. But the team’s leading rusher in 2022 and 2023 has been taking practice reps and sits atop the team’s depth chart released Wednesday.

“He’s ready to go,” coach Billy Napier said.

The Gators’ depth at tailback provides options, but the 5-foot-11 ¼ 216-pound Johnson offers superior experience and an impressive track record. The New Orleans native, who followed Napier to UF from Louisiana after the 2021 season, has 2,496 career rushing yards and 27 touchdowns in three seasons, including 1,658 and 15 touchdowns at Florida.

“This will be his fourth year with us in the system, and obviously he’s been very productive,” Napier said. “Montrell’s a smart player. He’s got poise. He has composure. He’s one of the best practice players that we have, and he has character.

“The players respect him; he has voice on our team.”

Third-year linebacker Shemar James, who along with Johnson and quarterback Graham Mertz represented UF at SEC Media Days, flashed a big smile when discussing Johnson’s recovery and return.

“He’s my guy,” James said. “Just practicing against him each and every day makes me better.We appreciate him as a defensive unit.”

The Gators will need Johnson to earn the respect of Miami’s defense — a unit led by a high-caliber front seven featuring sophomore end Rueben Bain Jr. and senior middle linebacker Francis Mauigoa.

“They’re a pretty talented group throughout,” sophomore left guard Knijeah Harris said. “Their interior guys are very talented. I’m just excited to compete.”

Harris will make just his second career start for an offensive line looking for the right combination after taking a step back in 2023. UF averaged 1.24 yards fewer per carry than 2022.

Coaches also are banking on Kam Waites to emerge at right tackle. The 6-foot-8, 343-pound redshirt junior has started just three games, including the final two of 2023, but earned the starting nod over veteran San Diego State transfer Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson who arrived with 37 career starts.

Waites, like Johnson, transferred to join Napier from Louisiana after he accepted the Florida job. Waites, however, has taken a long and winding road to reach this point.

Waites made his first start, at right guard, during a 30-3 loss to Oregon State in the 2022 Las Vegas. He then suffered a torn Achilles tendon during January of 2023 in offseason workouts.

But Waites stayed the course to validate Napier’s decision to sign him in 2021, even though he was a high school basketball player with a size 20 shoe and little to no football experience.

“We took a chance on him,” Napier said. “He’s proved us right. He’s had of bumps in the road with injuries. But big men like that are hard to find.

“I’m hopeful that Kam will have a heck of a year here.”

Napier has high hopes for the Gators, despite consecutive losing seasons. The embattled coach — 11-14 at UF — believes veterans like Johnson and Mertz, promising young players like Harris and unique talents like Waites position Florida for a turnaround.

“I’m excited to watch this team,” Napier said. “I have a lot of belief in this group. We’ve been working for a long time.

“It’s time to go play; there’s not much more to talk about.”

Edgar Thompson can be reached at moc.lenitnesodnalro@nospmohtge

Miami at UF

When: Saturday, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 3:30 p.m.

TV: ABC