Montrell Johnson has emerged as a major threat on Florida’s offense.

The junior running back has managed to make a big impact in nearly every game and has logged 438 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on the season.

On Wednesday, Billy Napier had high praise for Johnson, complimenting his work ethic, experience and his ability to play many different roles for the Gators.

“Montrell is one of the more impressive young men that we have,” Napier said during the SEC coaches teleconference. “He’s obviously physically talented, but more importantly he’s got really good practice habits, he’s tough, he’s durable, he’s smart and he can catch, he can protect. He’s been very productive, I mean the guy’s over 2,000 yards now in his career. He’s been with us here, this will be Year 3. So I think Montrell wants to please, he wants to have success, he works as hard as anybody, and he’s a selfless guy, right. So anytime we ask him to block, he does a fantastic job. So I think one of the things you’ve gotta do is try to get the ball to your players that are explosive and capable, sometimes that requires the running back to be the blocker, and Montrell’s done that really well.”

Johnson and the Gators are looking to continue a solid season after picking up back-to-back wins against Vanderbilt and Kentucky. The Gators will get a break this weekend with the bye, but then have a tough game against the top team in the country in Georgia.

Florida has had a good season after many expected the Gators to struggle this year. They’re still a long way from where they want to end up, but this season is certainly a step in the right direction.

And it helps having players like Johnson who have bought into the culture and continue to make a big difference.