Auburn Football: 2015 Spring Practice Preview

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Oct 11, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Roc Thomas (9) carries the ball during the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs

Returning Starters: None

Returning Players: Roc Thomas (So.), Peyton Barber (So.), Kamryn Pettway (RFr.)

Newcomers: Jovon Robinson (JC/EE)

Departures: Cameron Artis-Payne (Sr.), Corey Grant (Sr.)

Similar to quarterback, the Auburn running backs are relatively inexperienced but have huge potential. In fact, there are many Auburn football fans that believe the Tigers may actually have improved at both positions from an overall talent standpoint.

Sure, Auburn must replace Cameron Artis-Payne, who was the SEC’s leading rusher last season with 1,608 yards. Artis-Payne wasn’t just good, his senior performance ranked fourth among all Tigers rushing totals in a single-season. It’s not like Malzahn can just plug anyone in the backfield and expect to replace that kind of output.

However, with two five-stars waiting in the wings, Malzahn doesn’t have just anyone.

Jovon Robinson joined the team in time for Outback Bowl practices after completing his academic requirements at Georgia Military College. The top ranked junior college player in the nation, Robinson is an immediate impact player capable of capturing All-SEC honors – or perhaps more. Sophomore to be Roc Thomas, who had 228 yards and two touchdowns as a true freshman, is also capable of big things.

Thomas and Robinson will compete for the top spot on the depth chart into fall camp, and potentially into the regular season similar to Artis-Payne and Grant last season.

Next: Wide Receivers

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