'I like to run through you' - Kamryn Pettway confident about Auburn's running backs

'I like to run through you' - Kamryn Pettway confident about Auburn's running backs'I like to run through you' - Kamryn Pettway confident about Auburn's running backs

Aug. 9, 2016

By Jeff Shearer
AuburnTigers.com

AUBURN, Ala. - Kamryn Pettway will have none of it.

The talk that Auburn's traditionally powerful running game could be jeopardized by the departure of last year's leading rushers, that is.

"I feel confident about that, because all of us bring something different to the table," Pettway said. "All of us can help complement each other. I have no doubt, because I know all of us can help contribute to the team."

After a redshirt freshman season at H-Back, in which he did not log any carries, Pettway is returning to his original position.

"It means a lot to me being the running back," the sophomore said Tuesday after Auburn's first preseason scrimmage. "I just know I have to step up and lead my team. Do my best to help us win."

As a senior at Prattville High School in 2013, Pettway ran for 1,402 yards and 17 touchdowns. At 6-0, 240 pounds, he's built to handle the rigors of running between the tackles in the SEC.

"I'm a big, physical back," he said. "I like to run through you."

Running behind a veteran offensive line will be helpful for Auburn's backs.

"I think we have a good offensive line," Pettway said. "I feel very confident about it."

Auburn enjoys the longest stretch in SEC history of producing thousand-yard seasons by running backs, a 7-year streak Ben Tate started in 2009.

Pettway is poised to continue the streak.

"I take that personally, because I want to be that guy," he said.

Pettway knows he won't have to carry the load alone. Other Auburn backs include Kerryon Johnson, Chandler Cox, and freshmen Malik Miller and Kam Martin.

"All of the running backs had a good day (in Tuesday's scrimmage)," he said. "I think Malik Miller also did a good job today. I had a couple good runs, but the defense did good today."

Pettway assessed the strengths of his backfield mates.

"He's a good athlete," Pettway said of Martin. "He's very fast. Quick. He's learning."

Of Johnson, Pettway said, "He's quick, also. He's very smooth. He's very fast."

Cox, like Pettway, is disinclined to run out of the bounds.

"Chandler's very physical. He's like me. Downhill running back."

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: Follow @jeff_shearer