Sep 6, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Roc Thomas (9) gets past San Jose State Spartans cornerback Dasheon Frierson (5) during the second half at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Spartans 59-13. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
At the risk of sounding like a homer, yes, Auburn has a better group of running backs than LSU. Yes, even if they must replace Cameron Artis-Payne – the SEC’s leading rusher from last season – and lightning-fast backup Corey Grant. Yes, even if that means the Tigers only return 490 of their 3,321 rushing yards (14.8%) from last season and must replace 29 of the 32 touchdowns (90.6%) they scored on the ground.
Sure, Leonard Fournette is a Heisman Trophy candidate and one of the best running backs in the nation – but Auburn has Jovon Robinson, Roc Thomas, Peyton Barber and incoming freshman Kerryon Johnson.
Robinson is the nation’s top rated junior college player from the most recent recruiting class after rushing for a record 2,387 yards and 23 touchdowns as a freshman at Georgia Military College in 2013. He battled through injuries in 2014, but still managed to run for more than 900 yards. An early enrollee, Robinson joined the Auburn football team not only in time for spring practice, but for Outback Bowl preparations.
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Robinson could be the nation’s breakout performer in 2015, but he’s not the only five-star talent in the backfield. Roc Thomas is the team’s second leading returning rusher with 214 yards and two touchdowns on 43 carries as a true freshman, and will be the lightning to Robinson’s thunder – if he doesn’t step up and beat out the 230-pound JUCO transfer for the top spot on the depth chart.
Rising sophomore Peyton Barber will provide a solid option in reserve, and Kerryon Johnson is an electric playmaker that should contribute immediately.
With Gus Malzahn calling the shots and such a talented group of runners at his disposal, don’t be at all surprised if Auburn produces yet another 1,000-yard rusher and finishes at or near the top of the SEC in rushing yards.
Next: 3. Georgia