Kerryon 'the guy' at tailback

AUBURN | The most carries Kerryon Johnson had in a game last season was nine at Kentucky. He could double that number Saturday night.

Johnson will be Auburn’s starting running back for the season opener against No. 2 Clemson. Gus Malzahn is confident the sophomore can handle as many as 15 to 20 carries a game.

“I’m very confident about that, but until you get there and actually do it, you put them in situations in practice,” Malzahn said. “We recruited him to be the guy. Last year, in fairness to him he was banged up as a true freshman and he continued to play when he was banged up when some guys wouldn’t play. I know he’s a tough guy, he’s a confident guy, he’s ready for the challenge.”

One of the reasons Malzahn is more confident in Johnson’s durability is the 16 pounds the tailback added to his frame in the offseason. It’s boosted Johnson’s production and confidence during fall camp.

“It's helped me a lot in terms of breaking tackles, falling forward, gaining that extra one or two yards that can be a difference. That always helps and I haven't gotten any slower,” said Johnson, who is listed at 211 pounds on Auburn’s roster. “I just feel like in terms of being a more physical player and being able to take a beating, it's definitely helped.”

Johnson was used as Auburn’s Wildcat quarterback last season along with returning kickoffs and playing on three other special teams. With Auburn’s top three tailbacks from last year leaving — Peyton Barber (NFL), Roc Thomas (transfer) and Jovon Robinson (dismissed) — Johnson has moved from the fourth to the first option at tailback.

“It's definitely changed. A lot bigger playbook to learn, that's for sure,” Johnson said. “I think just from last year to this year I have a lot more confidence in myself. The game is moving slower in terms of reading and pass blocking. I just feel like I'm a much smarter player and a much more patient player. I have a feel for what's going on no matter what now.”

If Johnson has any personal goals for his first season as Auburn’s starter, he hasn’t expressed them. He’ll only have one thing on his mind Saturday night in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

“Win. That's all that's going to go through my mind,” Johnson said. “We've got to win more than we did last year and I think we will.”