Is Kerryon Johnson the Next Ronnie Brown?

There is little doubt that KJ is Auburn’s most versatile offensive weapon, and he is poised to benefit the most from new offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, especially in the passing game.

Smith led all rushers with just over 500 yards, and Southern Miss backs combined for only 38 catches for around 350 yards and two TD’s.

What Lindsey did have was Demario Richard, an extremely versatile athlete who posted over 1,000 yards and seven TD’s on the ground to go with 32 catches for 309 yards and three TD’s in 2015.

However, Demario’s production regressed in 2016 as he had only 593 yards and three TD’s for a paltry 3.8 yards per rush average.

Additionally, he had 17 catches for 126 yards and no TD’s, his career low in both rushing and receiving TD’s.

It must be noted that Sun Devils Richard and fellow back Kalen Ballage combined in 2015 for 1,750 yards and 16 TD’s while catching 44 balls for 370 yards and a TD.

When you add in DJ Foster, a third running back who moved back and forth in motion as a quasi-slot receiver, those numbers ballooned to 103 catches for 953 yards and six TD’s.

Five different Auburn backs combined for 26 catches in 2016, and Kerryon Johnson’s 17 catches easily led the pack.

If Auburn retains pieces such as Stidham and Johnson, believed to be special, Lindsey’s second year could be one of the very best, if not the best, in Auburn history.

Weighing Johnson’s potential in Lindsey’s offense, a season with 1,000 rushing yards and 300-plus receiving yards for him isn’t out of the question.