Washington football: 3 newcomers who’ll have biggest impacts in 2023
![Sep 17, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Dillon Johnson (23) rushes against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports Sep 17, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Dillon Johnson (23) rushes against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7f215ae2312e44561d726b2fdffad9c48e33d1e04963f2f3768185943608de35.jpg)
Washington got decent production from the running back position last season, but it’s clear that Kalen DeBoer wants more from that group. He went into the portal and grabbed one of the best backs on the market in Dillon Johnson from Mississippi State and he paired him with former highly-touted four-star Daniyel Ngata from Arizona State.
I see Johnson winning the starting job this season after a strong three-year career with the Bulldogs in which he split carries. He still managed to rush for 1,198 yards and 11 touchdowns on 5.2 yards per carry from 2020-22.
The backfield could use a top-tier back to complement the elite passing game led by Michael Penix Jr. and I think that Johnson is the guy.
Standing 6-foot-0 and 215 pounds, he has the perfect frame and explosiveness to be an all-conference back in year one and I think if he’s given the correct workload, he’s going to surprise some people.
Johnson should be a star in 2023.
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