Through the first games of Auburn’s 2019 season, JaTarvious “Boobee” Whitlow was AU’s leader in rushing attempts (110), rushing yards (544) and rushing touchdowns (7). With Whitlow out for the next 4-6 weeks, the rest of Tigers’ running backs know it’s time to step up.

The most experienced healthy running back, senior Kam Martin, is ready to take on an increased workload.

“Yessir. I would say I am ready–ready for the challenge,” Martin told Brandon Marcello of 247Sports. “I did it before. I am just ready to step up. No pressure, no doubt. I will be ready to step up.”

Last year, Martin, then a junior, was expected to be the new primary ball-carrier following the departure of Kerryon Johnson. Whitlow had a big freshman season and finished as the team’s rushing leader (150 carries, 787 years, 6 TD).

While Martin is ready to be RB1, Auburn coach Gus Malzahn is looking for a couple of freshmen to step up with increased opportunities.

“DJ Williams is a guy we’ve been talking about for a while and he looked like he was pretty healthy today,” Malzahn told reporters Tuesday. “We rotated him in there with, really, the first group some too. And we’ll continue to do that, you know, throughout this week. And then Harold (Harold Joiner) got a chance to scrimmage. It’s always good anytime you can scrimmage and get tackled and hold onto the ball and those things that go with it. That’s always a good thing.”

Williams and Joiner check-in as Auburn’s Nos. 8 and 9 rushers so far in limited action. Williams has appeared in two games, recording 7 carries for 32 yards. Joiner has appeared in all six games, but has only logged 4 carries for 19 yards so far.

Auburn returns to action in Week 8 against Arkansas.