Auburn, Ala. (EETV) - Auburn star running back Kerryon Johnson announced he will enter the 2018 NFL Draft and forego his senior year at Auburn.
The junior running back made his announcement on Twitter Tuesday evening. Johnson tweeted:
New Year...New Blessings pic.twitter.com/aXHdxDXF0n
— Kerryon Johnson (@AyeyoKEJO) January 2, 2018
Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn released the following statement about Johnson's departure:
“I would like to thank KJ for all he has done for our program over the last three years. Kerryon has made this team better both on and off the field with his great character, competitiveness
Johnson finished the 2017 season 1,391 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, 194 receiving yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. To add to that total, Johnson connected with Nate Craig-Myers for his first passing touchdown of the season.
He was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year and was named a second-team AP All American.
In his final game with the Tigers, Johnson rushed for 71 yards and 1 touchdown in the Auburn loss to UCF. Following the loss, Johnson said he would be weighing whether or not he would end the draft.
"I just want to do it when I make up my mind, so that way when I stick to my decision I can feel happy about it," he said. "That's a life choice.
Johnson has rushed for 2,494 yards in his three seasons with the Tigers and has tallied 32 rushing touchdowns.
Johnson is projected to be a first or second round draft pick by Draftanalyst.com. However, he is also evaluated as a third or fourth round by NFL Draft Scout.Johnson is the first Tiger to announce he will leave Auburn to pursue a professional career.
