Jovon Robinson Dismissed from Auburn: Now What?

Auburn’s Fall Camp is off to an eventful start, as Gus Malzahn announced on Wednesday following his team’s first practice that he had dismissed running back Jovon Robinson from the team. Auburn fans were expecting Robinson to be the bell cow in the Auburn backfield this coming season after the departures of Peyton Barber and Roc Thomas. But now that plan is out the window.

Robinson started slow last season but finished strong, rushing for 90-plus yards in 5 of his last 6 games. For the year he finished with 639 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. With the departures of Barber and Thomas, along with Auburn’s uncertain quarterback situation, the stage was set for Robinson to be the focal point of the Tiger offense. So how will Coach Malzahn attempt to fill the void left by Robinson’s departure? He has a few potential options.

Option 1: Increase Kerryon Johnson’s Workload

Johnson was productive last year in a limited role. He ran for 208 yards and three touchdowns on 52 carries (4.0ypc). He also added 159 receiving yards on 14 catches (11.4 ypr). The question is can Johnson be successful as an every-down starting tailback in the SEC. I’m not sure he can.

Kerryon Johnson is “Next Man Up” for the Tigers Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

Though he has added some weight since last season, he is still very slim. Auburntigers.com lists him at 205 pounds, but he certainly doesn’t look it. His durability is definitely a concern.

Option 2: Lean on the Big Boy

If Johnson lacks the power needed to be a bruiser between the tackles, Auburn may have found the man for the job in the form of Kamryn Pettway. Pettway is an inch shorter than Johnson and outweighs him by 35 pounds. The man is a human bowling ball. In addition to his brute strength, the big man has surprising burst, which he showcased on A-Day when he broke loose for a 40 yard gain down the sideline. Regardless of Johnson’s health, I expect Pettway will play a big role in the Auburn rushing attack.

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Option 3: Unleash the Freshmen

Starting true freshmen in the SEC is always a precarious proposition. Even the most talented often take a bit of time to adjust to the increased speed of the game and the increased complexities of the coaching schemes on both sides of the ball. However, that does not mean they cannot contribute. Auburn signed two backs in the 2016 class: Malik Miller and Kam Martin.

Miller in particular could see significant snaps, as he was an early enrollee and participated in spring practice. At 6’0,” 229 Miller could provide some short-yardage help. Martin, by contrast, is miniscule (5’10,” 170). It seems unlikely he will be able to stand too many carries without some serious work in the weight room. I don’t expect either Miller or Martin to start this year. I do however expect Miller to provide some needed depth and Martin to probably come in occasionally as a change-of-pace back.

Gus Malzahn has some tough choices to make in the offensive backfield. He had better hope he chooses correctly. If he doesn’t he may be looking for a new job come December. If he does, Auburn just might surprise some people this year. Do you think he will? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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