With senior running backs Cameron Artis-Payne and Corey Grant graduating, Auburn's stable of playmakers in the backfield seemed to be running dry -- that is, until the Tigers knew they would be getting the best player in the state of Alabama to call the Plains his home for the next few years.
Kerryon Johnson. A name that has stricken fear into the hearts of high schools across the state for the past four years will more than likely elicit the same reaction across the SEC and possibly the nation.
The star tailback from Madison Academy (Madison) committed to the Tigers in April 2014 and hasn't wavered since. He was named Mr. Football in the state of Alabama recently, and with his commitment, Auburn will have the past three Mr. Footballs on the roster for 2015 in Johnson, Roc Thomas and presumed starting quarterback Jeremy Johnson.
Johnson played on the varsity squad at Madison Academy for five years, blazing a trail through the high school ranks during his career, one that saw him capture three consecutive state titles, the last of which the Mustangs claimed in December 2014 in Auburn.
His high school coach, Eric Cohu, said he thinks Johnson has a chance to be special.
"(Johnson) is a lot like the guy you give the basketball to for the last shot of the game to win it, and so he's going to be the guy -- if used properly -- that will really change the dynamic of the team because he's a mismatch nightmare for defenses," Cohu said. "He's really a different-style player, one that just comes along every now and then."
Johnson played multiple positions in high school, spending time at tailback, slot receiver and even on defense as a safety, which he was positioned at during the Under Armour All-America Game on Jan. 2.
Regardless, the coaching staff at Auburn has been set on Johnson playing offense during his time on the Plains.
"He's a guy that could probably play four or five positions, but in this offense, I think he's a guy that fits perfectly as a guy that can play tailback," said Jason Caldwell of AUTigers.com. "He can play as a true running back, but he has the skills to play wide receiver, so he can give you a lot of different options on offense, and that's probably going to be his strength."
This season Johnson will vie for playing time with two talented backs in front of him in Roc Thomas and Jovon Robinson, but Johnson may simply be too talented to keep on the bench.
"I think Kerryon is a special player, and I don't think you can keep special players -- special talents like him -- on the bench for long," said Rivals.com's Bryan Matthews. "I definitely think Kerryon's going to play as a true freshman, and if he plays and plays well, I think he'll earn more playing time as the season goes on."
As Signing Day rapidly approaches, plenty of recruits are deciding which school they will spend their next few years at, but Johnson has been solid to Auburn, never reconsidering his commitment.
"Kerryon's smart, savvy, efficient," Cohu said. "I think his early commitment was based on him making a decision, and wanting to focus on his senior year of high school and not have as many distractions. After his pretty thorough look at several unofficial visits to four or five schools, he made a decision based on what he felt like was the best thing for his career for the future."
If everything goes according to plan, Auburn's coaching staff will sleep easy as well.
The same can't be said for Auburn's future opponents.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
