Nov 22, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Corey Grant (20) dives for the goal line against the Samford Bulldogs during the second half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn beat the Bulldogs 31-7. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Kerryon Johnson
By signing Kerryon Johnson earlier this month, the Auburn football team now has the last three Mr. Football award winners from the state of Alabama. Johnson earned the distinction as a senior at Madison Academy, following quarterback Jeremy Johnson and fellow running back Roc Thomas, who were honored in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
A 6-foot, 200-pound running back and defensive back in high school, Johnson was a consensus top-50 player nationally in the 2015 class and earned five-star status from ESPN.
In his last season at Madison Academy, Johnson ran for 1,659 yards and 25 touchdowns on 110 carries and caught 22 passes for 598 receiving yards and another eight scores. He also led the team to its third straight Class 3A State Championship, which the Mustangs won 70-34 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Johnson is one of the top players in this year’s Auburn recruiting class, and because of his special talent and unique skill set, he should play an immediate role.
“The last guy I saw with his skill-set that can do what he can do is Darren McFadden,” Auburn football coach Gus Malzahn said at his Signing Day press conference. “So he’s got the ability to run the read-zone back there. You can put out- split-out – and he can jump over just about anybody. He’s got a unique skill set.”
Malzahn coached McFadden – who was a two-time runner-up for the Heisman Trophy and the 4th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft – when he was the offensive coordinator at Arkansas. Comparing Johnson to McFadden is high praise to say the least.
Interestingly enough, Johnson also has the talent to contribute on defense for the Tigers. He had 71 tackles, six interceptions and forced five fumbles in 2014 and played safety in the Under Armour All-American Game. But he’ll play running back at Auburn, and will most likely be utilized in several areas including the slot and perhaps a little Wildcat quarterback as well.
Next: Peyton Barber