Those expecting Jovon Robinson to be one of the most outstanding running backs in the SEC this season may want to dial back expectations.

According to Auburn running backs coach Tim Horton, Robinson isn’t in line for many carries in the Sept. 5 opener against Louisville.

“Right now I would say that Roc Thomas and Peyton Barber have earned the right to play and so they’re both going to play,” Horton said, according to AL.com.

“Now, who is going to be in there first, I couldn’t tell you to be honest. I don’t know that’s really important, but both of those guys have earned that right and they’ll both play. They’ve both been very good.”

Robinson ran for 3,198 yards and 43 touchdowns in two seasons at Georgia Military College, breaking some NJCAA single-season records. Auburn previously pegged him as the best pass protector in the backfield, fueling speculation he’d be the every-down back.

Robinson carried just six times for 19 yards in Auburn’s spring game, less than Thomas (7 for 69) and Barber (9 for 46). But most figured it wasn’t significant, theorizing that perhaps the team was trying not to reveal too much of him to SEC opponents.

The AL.com article stated that Robinson hasn’t met expectations on and off the field, at least early during the fall practice sessions. There’s still plenty of time between now and the season for Robinson to turn around that perception and thrust himself into the mix, but for now, it sounds like he’s a clear-cut third on the depth chart.

“He had the worst start of those four initially, but he’s starting to come on,” Horton said, according to AL.com. “I’m real pleased with the group and I think ultimately it’ll be one of the strengths of our team.

“There’s a certain standard and professionalism we want our groups to perform at, whether that’s being on time for a meeting or paying attention when you’re not playing or whatever it might be,” Horton said. “Some kids it’s real easy for them, like [Kerryon Johnson], and some it probably hasn’t been demanded of them in the past, but it is now.”