Summary: Johnson was one of the nation's most explosive backs over the last three years. Despite entering a program that had talent in the backfield, he took carries away from backs who were soon to be drafted into the NFL. The reason for that is Johnson is an explosive runner who is a threat to break off a long gain on any touch.
Johnson was one of the best freshman in college football in 2012. He led Miami on the ground and racked up a ton of all-purpose yardage. Johnson averaged 6.8 yards per carry while running for 947 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also caught 27 passes for 221 yards and another score. Johnson was phenomenal on special teams, too. He was second in the nation in kick returns with an average of 33 yards per return. The freshman standout actually brought back two kicks for touchdowns.
In 2013, Johnson totaled 920 yards with six scores (6.3 average) before missing the final five games after breaking his ankle against Florida State. He was playing really well before the injury.
2014 was Johnson's best year. He added some bulk before the season, and it allowed him to pick up more yards after contact and power through some tackles. The junior had some huge games to lead Miami to wins over Cincinnati (10-162), Virginia Tech (29-249) and North Carolina (19-177). He also played well in losses to Florida State (27-130) and concluded the year with a tough running performance versus South Carolina (24-132). Johnson averaged 6.8 yards per carry for 1,652 yards with 10 touchdowns. He caught 38 passes for 421 yards and three scores.
At the Combine, Johnson ran a little slower than expected with a time of 4.54 seconds. He performed well in the field drills.
For the NFL, Johnson is a future starting running back who can be a three-down player. He should be a feature back who racks up lots of yards on chunk plays. Not only is Johnson explosive, he is very elusive with superb cutting ability, balance and vision to slash his way through defenses. Johnson is tough for his size and can pick up some yards after contact, but he isn't a real power back.
Johnson would fit really well on an NFL team that is led by a passing offense. He is an excellent receiver with generally reliable hands and good route-running. Johnson is natural in the open field and is a mismatch weapon against linebackers or safeties in man coverage. Like all college running backs, Johnson will have to improve his pass blocking, but he has the potential to get it done.
Johnson is a back who could use some protection from injury by having a backup power back to handle short-yardage and heavy run-box situations, but he still is a starting runner who should be counted on to lead a ground offense.