Auburn Football: 5 Bold predictions for Tigers in 2018

2. Kam Martin outrushes Kamryn Pettway

Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson were one of the most dynamic rushing combinations in college football two seasons ago. Injuries kept that tandem from replicating the tremendous success they had in 2016 this past season. The depth chart is going to look a bit different on the Plains this season with Johnson officially entering the NFL Draft, leaving room for a new face to emerge.

Johnson is the most well-known returning player in the Auburn backfield and he’s had the most productive career to date, however, Kam Martin is going to be the go-to back for Gus Malzahn in 2018. Martin averaged 6.1 yards per carry as a sophomore last season and 7.3 yards per carry as a freshman. In contrast, Pettway averaged 4.0 and 5.9 yards per carry in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Both backs have similar builds, but Martin is a bit more explosive. Pettway’s longest run of the season was 38-yards against Arkansas. Martin had a 31-yard run against Louisiana Monroe, a 47-yard run against Missouri and a 61-yard run against Georgia Southern.

The ground game is the backbone of the Auburn offensive attack meaning both backs are going to be heavily involved. However, Pettway had two more rushes than Martin did in 2017 but 148 fewer yards. It’s not going to take Martin long to jump Pettway on the depth chart in 2018.