If Johnson is Unable to Play, UW Could Go with Freshman RB

While the Apple Cup always lends to celebrating departing seniors, every once once in a while a University of Washington freshman reaches for the spotlight in this rivalry game.

Two years ago, the Huskies sent first-year and fresh-faced quarterback Sam Huard on to the field against Washington State with really nothing to lose because coach Jimmy Lake was fired and the season had tanked in a way.

On Saturday at Husky Stadium, the UW might have to go the same route, yet with everything on the line — an unbeaten season, a College Football Playoff berth and history in the making.

Should junior running back Dillon Johnson be unable to go against the Cougars, the only real options for Kalen DeBoer's staff would be to turn to sophomore Will Nixon or freshman Tybo Rogers.

"I'm hoping he can make it back," UW offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said of the team's leading rusher with 879 yards and 11 touchdowns on 152 carries.

However, Johnson had someone step on his foot at Oregon State to the point he was seen hopping on one leg to enter the medical tent. While he had two late carries to close out the game, the Mississippi State transfer was in obvious pain. 

"He was a warrior out there," Grubb said. "His foot was killing him and he was still trying to go."

While the UW medical staff is capable of performing treatments that defy logic at times in getting players healthy, Johnson was wearing a protective boot this week and might be gimpy for some time.

If so, it would surprise no one if the Huskies turned the ball over to Rogers this weekend. The coaching staff has used him in nine games, gradually putting him in tight spots to see how he responds, such as a goal-line run against Oregon.

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Rogers is considered the UW's fastest and shiftiest back and Kalen DeBoer's coaching staff clearly is enamored with him and tempted to use him more. 

To date, the California native has run 35 times for 149 yards, with 74 of it coming in his college debut at Michigan State. 

"I think Tybo has improved a lot; I think he gets better every week," Grubb said."There's something new that comes up even in practice that he learns more of the subtleties of the offense."

Johnson had to sit out once before against Tulsa, and Nixon, the one-time Nebraska transfer and former wide receiver, filled in ably for him that day. Nixon actually has run six less less than Rogers this season, pulling 29 carries for 193 yards and a score.

"I think Will has gotten quite a bit better, just become more of a complete player," Grubb said.

The Huskies running backs have taken a pounding this season, beginning prospective junior starter Cam Davis going down with a season-ending knee injury in fall camp.

Sophomore Sam Adams II, who has run 10 times for 23 yards and a score this season, is dealing with a shoulder injury that's set him back. He didn't even dress for the Utah game two weeks ago.

Richard Newton, a long-time UW running-back staple, has played special teams this season, but a troublesome knee injury has practically made him unavailable to run the football. He has four carries for 29 yards, his smallest output in five seasons.

Arizona State transfer Daniyel Ngata also is available, with 7 carries for 24 yards and a score, but he's been used more as a kick returner.

Johnson could be ready to go, but if not Nixon is a dependable choice yet Rogers is an intriguing choice if the coaching staff leans that way.

"You see growth from a young player like Tybo and it makes you hopeful that he can make a big impact in one of these games," Grubb said this week.