When Dillon Johnson transferred to Washington from Mississippi State, he was expected to split carries with running back Cameron Davis, who suffered a knee injury that ended his season during fall camp. Johnson, who was hampered by injuries of his own throughout the year, filled in admirably, rushing for 1,195 yards and 16 touchdowns which earned him a spot on the All-Pac-12 second team.
Johnson was at his best in the biggest moments for the Huskies, rushing for over 100 yards in four matchups against ranked opponents, highlighted by his 256 yard, 4 touchdown performance against the USC Trojans on November 4.
While that was his highest output of the season, his 152 yard, 2 touchdown game against the No. 5 Oregon Ducks in the Pac-12 championship to send the Huskies to the Sugar Bowl was more important. Inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Johnson added a passing touchdown and the game-winning first down on 3rd and 17 while dealing with an injury he suffered against Oregon State two weeks earlier.
He also scored two touchdowns in Washington’s Sugar Bowl victory over the Texas Longhorns before reaggravating the injury he suffered against the Beavers while trying to put the game away.
As he turns his attention to the 2024 NFL Draft, Johnson’s one season on Montlake should be remembered for his vibrant personality and toughness on the field.
As Huskies Wire looks back on the 10 best players of the 2023 season, enjoy some of their best photos from our USA TODAY network of photographers.