During his time at Auburn, head coach Gus Malzahn has shown his preference for a primary ballcarrier. Tre Mason took the reins in 2013, Cameron Artis-Payne followed his lead in 2014 and Peyton Barber shouldered the load for much of 2015.
With Barber departing for the NFL this offseason, the opportunity is there for a new workhorse back to emerge.
Senior Jovon Robinson and junior Roc Thomas have been in open competition for that role this spring, but Thomas said they don't think of it that way.
“We don't even really even think of it as competition," Thomas said. "We're pretty much like brothers, so it's not even a competition between us, really.”
Though the race will likely continue through fall camp, Robinson may have a leg up in the race to fill Barber's shoes. The MVP of the Birmingham Bowl, Robinson finished the 2015 season with 639 yards and three touchdowns, most of which came in the final six games.
Fullback Kamryn Pettway said he thinks Robinson has carried that momentum with him into the spring.
“Jovon looks amazing right now. I know there are some things that we've all still got to work, but he looks real good," Pettway said. "I think the big game at the Birmingham Bowl gave him a lot of confidence and momentum going into the next spring and next season.”
Whether he wins the job outright or not, Robinson said he's just ready to show what he can do with a whole season of work.
“I feel like a bunch of the questions about me, about my play, I have answered to a certain extent," Robinson said. "Last year, I wasn’t able to manipulate a whole season. This year, I think I’ll be able to manipulate a whole season because I really haven’t played a full season maybe in three years or so. I’ve still got bundles of energy. I’ve got a good team.”
One running back who won't be seen at A-Day is sophomore Kerryon Johnson, as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery, but Pettway said he's staying in good spirits.
“We're keeping our brother's head up," Pettway said. "We know he's hurt right now and he wants to be out there with us, but he's out there every day with us, working and keeping us motivated.”
With limited bodies at running back this spring, Malzahn is also giving the fullbacks, Pettway and Chandler Cox, a look with the ball in their hands.
"The rest of the guys, they're going to get an opportunity, too," Malzahn said. "Pettway is a guy that we're giving some carries at the traditional tailback. He played tailback in high school, and Chandler Cox's the same way. In spring, those two especially will be at fullback and tailback (to) try to give some depth."
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