Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson discusses his heavy workload this season
By Adam Spencer
Published:
When you consider that Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson missed time with an injury earlier this year, it is somewhat surprising to see him second in the SEC with 166 carries this year (Kentucky’s Benny Snell has 188).
However, a quick look at Johnson’s stats — 868 yards, 5.2 yards per carry, an SEC-best 15 rushing touchdowns — reveals why coach Gus Malzahn and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey keep feeding him the ball.
Heading into a tough matchup against No. 1 Georgia on Saturday, Johnson will need to touch the ball a lot if the Tigers are going to have a chance to win. Fortunately for Auburn fans, Johnson welcomes the heavy workload (via 247Sports):
“I don’t mind it,” said Johnson. “Obviously hit-wise and number-wise it’s definitely hard, but as long as I’m still walking I’ll keep doing it.”
Johnson said he doesn’t know how many carries are too many carries, but trusts his coaches to use him the right way:
“Pacing myself isn’t really my job,” Johnson said. “That’s kind of coaches’ job, if they want me to come out, want to preserve me. I go out there and play as hard as I can every play, and I think that’s the way it’s supposed to be.”
Johnson’s success will be important for Auburn on Saturday. Check out the huge matchup at Jordan-Hare Stadium on CBS at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time.
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
