Freshmen excel
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AUBURN, Ala. | There weren't a whole lot of positives for Auburn coming out of Saturday's 45-21 loss at LSU, but it was an opportunity for some young players to see their first significant action including Kerryon JohnsonClick [rl]Here to view this Link..
The true freshman running back had four carries for 14 yards, caught three passes for 17 yards and returned three kickoffs for 98 yards. He accounted for a team-high 129 all-purpose yards.
"I thought he was tough," Auburn offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said. "For a young guy, the moment wasn't too big for him. He was really competing. He was fighting hard. He's a guy that with the ball in his hands, he can really make things happen."
Johnson was slowed by an injury the last half of fall camp and that limited is early playing time this season. Fully healthy now, he brings explosive speed and excellent pass catching skills to Auburn's backfield.
"Got the opportunities and couldn't ask for more as a freshman. I think I just have to keep going week by week," Johnson said. "Just this kind of environment, not being able to hear, gives you confidence that even if I can't hear I can execute plays."
Johnson was one of four running backs to play against LSU and Lashlee said they're still looking for the right combination at the position. Sophomore Peyton Barber leads Auburn and is eighth in the SEC averaging 91.3 yards per game.
Roc Thomas and Jovon Robinson also carried the ball at LSU.
"I think all of those guys do a lot of good things," We, just as in general, as an offense, we need to get some consistency. That's something that we'll be looking at it, as coach said, we'll look at everyone. We'll reevaluate everyone, look at all facets of we're doing and we'll make decisions.
"Sometimes you don't make decision based on someone not doing a good job, you just make decision based on what you think is best for the team and for the unit. Whatever we think we need to do this week to get some consistency, to get some rhythm, to get some productive, that's what we'll do."
Johnson wasn't the only freshman to see his first significant action against LSU. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Stanton Truitt had a 13-yard reception and two carries for 24 yards.
"He gave us some really explosive plays," Lashlee said. "He had a big run, busted plays, big third down catch conversion. I liked what I saw from him. So from that standpoint, I like what I saw and he's earned an opportunity to play more."
