Breakout rushing seasons in 2016 from Auburn running backs Kamryn Pettway — 1224 yards and seven TDs — and Kerryon Johnson — 895 yards and 11 TDs — bode well for the tradition of the Tigers providing running backs to the National Football League.
There are currently three NFL running backs from Auburn — Peyton Barber of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cameron Artis-Payne of the Carolina Panthers and Corey Grant of the Jacksonville Jaguars. And while none of them were the primary runners for the teams this past season, Grant raised eyebrows with his 18 carries for 122 yards and a TD in the last game of the season.