No separation among Auburn RBs 'a good problem'

AUBURN – They entered spring in competition and they'll open fall camp, at least, in the same fashion.

A leader did not emerge among Auburn's three running backs, Jovon Robinson, Roc Thomas and Peyton Barber, and isn't expected to before the Sept. 5 season opener with Louisville at the Georgia Dome.

"We're going to count on all three of them," offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said. "No one has really separated themselves. They've all three done really good things. It's a good problem to have for us, because we've got three guys we think we can count on in this league."

Though much of the talk of a tight battle is in line with what was said after the past two springs, this year seems to be a more genuine competition on its face.

Robinson, Thomas and Barber have varying skillsets, similar to those of Cameron Artis-Payne and Corey Grant, who brought power and speed, respectively, a year ago.

Thomas shined brightest on A-Day, with seven carries for 69 yards and two touchdowns while showcasing the evasive ability fans gushed over when he was a highly-touted recruit.

"I thought the spring game was his best of the scrimmages we had," Lashlee said. "I think you can tell that he's worked with (running backs) coach (Tim) Horton at just, hey, 'Get downhill, and then once you get into those second and third levels, you can be Roc. But you've got to get started first.'"

Robinson and Barber each had their moments in the spring game and over the course of the past six weeks as well.

Robinson had six carries for just 19 yards, but converted a pair of third downs to extend the opening drive, which ended with Thomas' 36-yard touchdown.

"Jovon has a lot more weight on him and he can plow a little bit more than I can," Thomas said. "I really don't weigh as much as he does so I have to try to make more moves."

Lashlee wants Robinson, the top-ranked junior college running back in the country last year, to be "more urgent" when the team returns for fall camp.

"He's got his feet wet," Lashlee said. "He's had 15 days. He knows the system. By the time the summer is over, he comes in in August, all the mental stuff should be out. He should be able to go play football."

Barber is vying for time far more than a year ago when he was behind two far more talented seniors. With nine carries for 46 yards, including 37 against the first-team defense, Barber showed he's progressing after two years in a limited role.

"He was running over good players, like Cassanova McKinzy and Rudy Ford," Lashlee said. "The way he finished, he finished like an Auburn running back finishes runs."

Protection, both in the passing game and of the ball, will be a key factor in playing time.

Where Thomas had issues with ball security last season, Lashlee said the trio never had a fumble in any of the spring scrimmages.

"Who can protect consistently is the guy who's going to play the most," Lashlee said. "So (no fumbles in scrimmages is) huge for us."

While each back naturally wants to play as much as possible, none of them mind splitting time.

"We've been pushing each other every day and I think we're getting good results out of it," Thomas said. "I really think, and I really hope, that it'll be during the season that we're rotating three backs."