Kenyan Drake is part of the one-two punch that is the Alabama running game. Drake and Derrick Henry have been racking up the stats this season when it comes to moving the Tide offense forward.

Auburn also has some talented running backs in its arsenal and, with the struggles that have plagued the passing game, the Tigers have relied on the run heavily. Peyton Barber saved Auburn against both Louisville and Jacksonville State, but was not enough against LSU. Roc Thomas was injured during Auburn’s season opener, but has seen action on the field as well.

A lesser utilized back as of now is Kerryon Johnson, a freshman who was in the mix for the running back position during preseason camp. He was largely considered a back who could be groomed for future seasons, and he has made only a few runs in the games against Jacksonville State and LSU. However, Johnson could find himself in a position to start making a bigger impact sooner.

In fact, there is reason to believe that Johnson could just be Auburn’s Kenyan Drake equivalent. Drake’s biggest standout talent is his explosiveness. No matter where he gets the ball, whether there are defenders around him or not, there is a good chance Drake can create yardage out of nothing because of his agility.

Johnson has a very similar ability, which is why he is currently well suited as the primary kickoff returner. Against LSU, he returned three kickoffs for a total of 90 yards. He averaged 33 yards per return and his longest was 40 yards. Johnson brings the explosiveness that was apparent in high school with him, and could be key in those situations where all signs point to great defensive coverage and a stop.

To that end, Drake is excellent. He has the ability to run a variety of screens, and his versatility makes him a constant threat to the defense, to the point where he can then be leveraged as merely a “ghost” action to draw off defenders. Drake has shown his well-roundedness this season by catching 139 passing yards on just seven receptions.

Johnson has made some receptions too this season. Although his statistics are nowhere near Drake’s, Johnson could be instrumental in helping his quarterback execute a variety of quick plays for drive-extending gains. He showed evidence of this on Saturday against LSU. As Auburn makes a quarterback change, Johnson will be called on even more along with the rest of Auburn’s running backs to execute on offense.

So although the Tigers are struggling in many areas as a team, individual talent at the running back position is not lacking. Johnson could be part of the crew that helps Auburn get back on its feet.