Gus Malzahn has been the head coach of Auburn for two seasons, and his rushing attack has been a key part of his team’s success.
According to running backs coach Tim Horton, Auburn has rushed for 7,917 yards in the past two seasons, an eye-popping 2,097 yards more than any other SEC team.
Auburn led the SEC in rushing yards per game in 2013 and 2014. It led the SEC in total rushing yards in both years, and was No. 1 in the nation in rushing in 2013.
This is partly due to Malzahn’s offensive schemes, but also due to NFL-caliber rushers. Running back Tre Mason led the SEC in rushing in 2013 and was invited to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony. Last year, Cameron Artis-Payne led the SEC in rushing with 1,608 yards.
Like other successful college football programs, Auburn is now tasked with replacing prolific players as they leave for the NFL. Mason recently finished his first season with the St. Louis Rams, Artis-Payne is headed to the NFL Draft, and Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall — another key weapon in the team’s rushing attack — is trying to make an NFL roster at his old position of cornerback.
Even with the departure of Marshall and Artis-Payne, Auburn’s rushing attack shouldn’t take a step back in 2015. The Tigers return running backs Roc Thomas and Peyton Barber, but that position won’t be without competition from incoming players. During the summer, Auburn adds junior college transfer Jovon Robinson and Alabama’s “Mr. Football” Kerryon Johnson to its depth at the position.
Johnson was the No. 1 ranked player in the state of Alabama by 247 Sports, and Robinson was the top-ranked junior college player in the country on 247 Sports in 2014.
Even with Thomas and Barber returning, all of these players could step into the backfield right away for the Tigers.
Auburn will finish its Spring practice in the A-Day Spring game on Saturday, April 18 in Jordan-Hare Stadium. The game kicks off at 1 p.m. and tickets are $5.
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