Auburn Flashback - Rudi Johnson Debut

[StatTiger 3,188]

During the three seasons before Rudi Johnson’s debut at Auburn, the Tigers averaged only 80.9 yards rushing per game. This included 115.7 yards against non Power-5 competition. The Auburn fan base was excited about the arrival of Rudi Johnson after he compiled monster numbers as a Junior College performer. Auburn opened the 2000 season against Wyoming, and Johnson shined during his first game as an Auburn Tiger. He rushed for 174-yards on 27 carries, scoring three rushing touchdowns. His first rush attempt as an Auburn Tiger netted 13-yards and a first down as the Auburn crowd responded with loud applause.

Johnson went on to lead the conference in rushing and was named All-SEC for his 2000 performance. The Auburn Tigers won the SEC-West but lost to the Florida Gators during the SEC Championship game. Though he was only a Tiger for one season, he etched his name in the record books as one of Auburn’s top running backs. From 1997-1999 (34 games), Auburn recorded only ONE 100-yard rushing performance. Rudi Johnson had ten such games during the 2000 season.

https://youtu.be/uqTdBQ4tYGE

[alexava 6,976]

I really liked Rudi. Probably because we went so long without a feature back. But he had a strong NFL career too. For RBs anyway.