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Florida football RB Montrell Johnson Jr. is back from injury and starts against Miami

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Florida Gators running back Montrell Johnson Jr. returned to practice this week and is expected to start for the Gators in the season opener against Miami at The Swamp on Saturday (3:30 p.m., ABC).

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Johnson, who was named first- and second-team All-SEC running back by various publications during the preseason, missed most of fall practice after undergoing endoscopy on his knee during the first week of fall practice.

Johnson's return is a boon for the Florida Gators offense, which needs balance to beat the Hurricanes, who are favored by 2.5 points. Johnson ran for 817 yards at 5.4 yards per carry and 5 TDs last season and has rushed for more than 2,400 yards and 27 TDs in his college football career.

Florida football coach Billy Napier said there will be no restrictions on Johnson's playing time. Johnson could take on a larger workload after former UF running back Trevor Etienne transferred to Georgia in the offseason.

“Montrell is a smart player,” Napier said. “He has poise. He's composed. He's one of our best practice players and he's got character.”

UF's running backs behind Johnson include sophomore running back Treyaun Webb, JUCO transfer Ja'Kobi Jackson and freshmen Jadan Baugh and KD Daniels.

Florida's football team released its roster on Wednesday night. Notably, junior Kamryn Waites beat out Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, who transferred from San Diego State, to start at right tackle, while sophomore Grayson “Pup” Howard, who transferred from South Carolina, will start alongside Shemar James at linebacker.

“Playing alongside the pup is going to be great,” James said. “He's been consistent throughout camp, so he was arguably the best guy for the job.”

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