By Robbie Neiswanger
Arkansas News Bureau • rneiswanger@arkansasnews.com
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas running backs coach Tim Horton admitted he was nervous before the LSU game last season.
He had good reason. Horton’s workhorse, Michael Smith, was out with a hamstring injury and it left freshman Dennis Johnson to make his second start. Horton knew Johnson was a capable ball carrier, but had other obvious concerns.
“He started the Western Illinois game and played OK, but he really missed a lot of pass protection stuff,” Horton said. “I remember being really worried about that (against LSU). He was not perfect. But he had some terrific runs.”
Johnson was one of Arkansas’ unexpected stars during last season’s 31-30 win against LSU, turning in a surprising display of power and speed. He entered the game with just 57 rushing yards in 11 games, but ran for 127 yards and a touchdown to ensure his pass blocking was overlooked.
It proved to be a confidence-building performance for the Texarkana native, who will get a chance to repeat the feat when the Razorbacks play at 17th-ranked LSU on Saturday night. Arkansas’ fourth-leading rusher is one of several backs the Razorbacks will turn to in Smith’s absence and, once again, Johnson doesn’t intend to disappoint.
“I hope to have a better game than I did last year, being that I’m a year older,” Johnson said.
LSU had trouble tackling Johnson in Little Rock and the back made it pay. Particularly in the first quarter, when Johnson turned three big carries into nearly 100 yards.
He had an 18-yard run on Arkansas’ first drive, then followed it with a 17-yard touchdown the next play to give the Razorbacks a 7-0 lead. He broke a 54-yarder on the next possession to set up a second touchdown to make it 14-3.
“The thing he did, he made some yards when there wasn’t yards there to make,” Horton said. “You look at some of his runs and he just made people miss. And we didn’t necessarily block them, he just made a great play.”
Johnson, who has been steady as Arkansas’ kick returner, said the performance helped his confidence as a ball carrier. Making plays against a Southeastern Conference opponent was proof he belonged in the league.
“It was a coming out game for me,” Johnson said. “It boosted my confidence a lot. It would’ve boosted anybody’s confidence. I mean, it helped me a lot.”
Johnson figured the outing would lead to bigger things in 2009, but a crowded backfield has limited opportunities.
He did turn in one of Arkansas’ most impressive rushing performances at top-ranked Florida, bulling his way to 107 yards against the Gators’ stout defense. It was the first 100-yard performance for an Arkansas back this season.
The success didn’t last. Injuries slowed Johnson at Ole Miss, then he fell into coach Bobby Petrino’s doghouse for not properly taking care of his injury.
It cost Johnson carries the next two weeks and taught him a lesson.
“Just don’t do that again,” Johnson said. “The doghouse put me back a couple of games. It was a stupid mistake.”
Petrino said Johnson reacted well to his punishment and was rewarded against Troy. He led the Hogs with 58 rushing yards. Johnson punished Troy defenders by lowering his shoulders and breaking tackles each time he touched it.
He followed it up by leading the Razorbacks in rushing against Mississippi State, gaining 50 yards on 11 carries.
“I’ve always had a tremendous amount of confidence in him carrying the ball,” Petrino said. “And you know he’s going to make yards and do a great job when he carries the ball.”
Johnson said it felt great to be involved in the offense after his two-game absence and wants to make the most of his opportunities at LSU.
He will share carries with Broderick Green, Ronnie Wingo and Knile Davis on Saturday night, but Arkansas believes Johnson is ready to run against the Tigers once again.
“They had a hard time tackling him (last year),” Arkansas offensive coordinator Paul Petrino said. “So I think he goes in there with a lot of confidence.”
