Jovon Robinsin Signs with Auburn: Can He Help the Tigers Forget Michael Dyer?

Auburn got a huge boost to its recruiting class today when it received a commitment from running back Jovon Robinson.

Star running back Michael Dyer decided to transfer to Arkansas State following the season and it left a huge void in the Tigers offense.

Head coach Gene Chizik needed to make sure he signed a top player at the position this week or else the team would suffer next season. Fortunately, Robinson was willing to be that replacement.

As the No. 10 running back according to Rivals.com, Robinson is ready to become an impact player at the next level.

The 6'0", 215-pound athlete has great size for the position and uses it to punish smaller defenders. He runs hard and is very adept at breaking tackles. 

Even with his size, he is able to do the things that smaller backs are able to do like beat opponents to the corner or catch the ball out of the backfield. His 40-yard dash time of 4.49 seconds shows that he has plenty of speed to be a great collegiate player.

However, replacing Michael Dyer will not be easy. The running back was the focal point of the offense last season and was a big reason that Auburn was able to win a national championship the year before.

He was the first Auburn tailback to rush for over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons and finished second in the SEC in rushing yards behind Trent Richardson.

This all came tumbling down when Coach Chizik suspended the player indefinitely prior to the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Dyer followed his offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn to Arkansas State and now the Tigers are picking up the pieces.

Auburn still has a very capable player returning in Onterio McCalebb, but in three years with the program, he has never been a full-time back. Even when he was named MVP of the Chick-fil-A Bowl, McCalebb received only 10 carries.

Jovon Robinson is Auburn's best hope for the future at the running back position. 

While he might not be able to step in and contribute as quickly as Dyer as a freshman, Robinson should be able to become the dominant running back to bring the team back towards the top of the SEC.

It will only be a matter of time before fans forget all about Michael Dyer.