AUBURN | It was a surprise when Peyton Barber announced in January he was declaring early for the 2016 NFL Draft.

But that surprise turned into admiration when Barber announced at the NFL Combine he was doing it for his mom, who is under financial stress and living with a family member.

“That's my family at the end of the day,” Barber said. “Family is family. I'm going to do anything and everything for them.”

It’s that motivation that Barber brought into Auburn’s Pro Day where he ran a 4.59 40-yard dash, which was a half-second faster than his time at the Combine.

“I'm proud of that (40). It’s better than a 4.6,” Barber said. “The scouts out here today told me that I did a great job. They said I showed off everything I said I was going to show off. I'm happy with what I did.”

Gus Malzahn was on hand to watch Barber perform Monday. Auburn's third-year coach believes Barber’s best football is in front of him.

“I think he's got a good upside,” Malzahn said. “The thing about Peyton is he'll protect, he'll block, he runs with great pad level, he's a tough guy. He was banged up a lot of the year, too. So he's a tough guy and he's the kind of guy teams are looking for.”

Barber finished his Auburn career with 1,071 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns on 248 carries. He feels like he has plenty of more yards left in his legs.

“I feel like this is a thin running back class and I don't have many miles on my legs. I'm fresh and I'm ready to go,” he said.

Barber said he concentrated on increasing his explosion and pass catching preparing for Pro Day and plans to continue the same training regimen between now and the first day of the draft, April 28.

Barber is confident he’ll be drafted but is ready for any eventuality.

“I expect to get drafted. If it doesn't happen, you know, all I need is a chance. That's all I need,” he said.