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NFL Preseason: 5 rookies to watch for Friday night

By George Stockburger

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 26: Maurice Hurst #73 of the Michigan Wolverines sacks J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the fourth quarter of their game at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 26: Maurice Hurst #73 of the Michigan Wolverines sacks J.T. Barrett #16 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the fourth quarter of their game at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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AUBURN, AL – NOVEMBER 11: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers rushes against Tyler Clark #52 of the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL – NOVEMBER 11: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers rushes against Tyler Clark #52 of the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Kerryon Johnson

In a poll we ran this morning asking people which rookie other than Sam Darnold they wanted to see tonight, more than 70% said they were excited to see Kerryon Johnson.

Detroit has struggled to develop running backs, whiffing on Ameer Abdullah, Jahvid Best, and Mikel Leshoure. They’ve gone forever without a 1,000 yard rushing season, and they hope Kerryon Johnson is the answer to their issues.

Johnson ran for nearly 2,500 yards with 32 touchdowns for Auburn over three seasons. Auburn used him in a variety of ways, whether it be as a runner, on screens, or down the field. He’s got tremendous burst and can be elusive in between the tackles.

There’s a reason everyone can’t wait to see what Johnson can do in training camp. The Lions have a mixed bag of backs around him with LeGarrette Blount leading the way. Abdullah returns, for now, and Theo Riddick is a lock to make the roster. Dwayne Washington and Zach Zenner are likely competing for a final roster spot.

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