Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
A spirit that is not afraid

Gus Malzahn 'feels strongly' that Tigers' 1,000-yard rusher streak will continue

"We've had nine straight 1,000-yard rushers at Auburn. That's all-time SEC record. And I really feel strongly that that streak will continue"

If Auburn had a lingering question going into SEC Media Days, it would be the uncertainty surrounding the running back position that has become a staple in the Malzahn offense.

The Tigers have produced a 1,000-yard rusher dating back to 2009, when Gus Malzahn took over as offensive coordinator, but that could be in jeopardy this upcoming season with Auburn having lost both Kerryon Johnson and Kamryn Pettway to the NFL Draft.

Although there is uncertainty, Auburn fans do not need to worry too much as the Tigers have their pick of the litter with potential replacements for the two former 1,000-yard rushers.

First off, there is running back Kam Martin, who had a solid year in the backup role behind Johnson and Pettway where he was able to display his lightning quickness and playmaking ability. Martin racked up 453 yards on only 74 attempts for 6.1 yards a touch. The sample size is not huge, but he has shined when called upon.

“Right now, I'd say this: Running back wise, if we played today, Kam Martin would be the first guy out there,” Malzahn said at SEC Media Days.

The main issue with Martin is his size and if he can take the punishment that a first-string back under Malzahn requires. Martin listed at 5-foot-10 and 183 pounds so it will be interesting to see if he can stay healthy after 300-plus touches.

That issue alone with Martin is why fellow running back Jatarvious “Boobie” Whitlow is getting so much buzz. The redshirt freshman offers a bigger body (6 feet, 216 pounds) that can absorb more contact and his “madden"-like abilities are just an added bonus. As a senior in high school, Whitlow rushed for 2,147 yards and 30 touchdowns on only 152 carries. Why so little carries? That is because he also played quarterback and tossed for 29 touchdowns to go along with his ridiculous rushing stats.

Another Martin (no relation) that has a chance to submit his claim to the starting role is true freshman Asa Martin. Martin received Alabama Football Player of the Year honors in high school, alongside being selected as the Gatorade Player of the Year in his senior year of high school. Listed at 5-foot-11, 209 pounds Martin has good size for a freshman and will definitely make his case for a chunk of playing time early on.

Malik Miller is the fourth back that could see significant playing time as he has been described as a steady force in the backfield by offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey. Miller hails from Madison Academy where he and Johnson won a state championship together. He suffered a season-ending injury in 2016 but battled back for a reserve role in 2017 where he rushed for 135 yards on 34 carries.

Although Malzahn said that Kam Martin would get the nod if the season started today, there still is a wide-open battle going into fall camp and the head coach is not worried about the 1,000-yard streak.  

“We do have four or five other guys that we feel very good about that's competing for time," Malzahn said. We've had nine straight 1,000-yard rushers at Auburn. That's all-time SEC record. And I really feel strongly that that streak will continue. If you look back at our success, we usually try to have two guys as far as that.

"Unfortunately, you know, after the regular season, both our guys were a little banged up. There's nothing like depth. We're working hard to get that done.”

Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Auburn Plainsman delivered to your inbox

Share and discuss “Gus Malzahn 'feels strongly' that Tigers' 1,000-yard rusher streak will continue” on social media.