AUBURN, Alabama — Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson has decided to enter the NFL Draft.

The junior made his decision just one day after the Tigers' 34-27 loss to UCF in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. He rushed 1,397 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior.

"There aren't enough words to express how grateful I am of the opportunity Auburn university has given me," Johnson said in a statement. "This is truly an amazing school with an amazing fans base. With that being said I have decided to enter the NFL Draft. Thank you all for the endless support that has not always been deserved. I love Auburn and the Auburn family. War Eagle!"

The Peach Bowl certainly felt like a swan song for Johnson, whose teammates hugged him on the field as UCF players stormed the turf to celebrate a perfect season while handing Auburn its second straight loss. Their hugs seemed more like goodbyes than usual as players made it a point to seek him out after the game.

“I would like to thank KJ for all he has done for our program over the last three years," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said in a statement. "Kerryon has made this team better both on and off the field with his great character, competitiveness and leadership. He will be very successful at the next level and more importantly in life. We wish KJ nothing but the best.”

Auburn coaches did not know what to expect Monday. Twenty-four hours later, they got their answer.

“We’ve had some conversations and we’ll continue to have conversations,” Auburn running backs coach Tim Horton said Monday. “He’s just in the evaluation process right now, so obviously with that date approaching we’ll see what he decides to do.”

Johnson hugged teammates immediately after the game in what appeared to be a farewell to his teammates on the field. He finished his Auburn career with 71 yards and one touchdown against the Knights in his final game with the Tigers.

"That's his life, his decision. I think he is a hell of a football player, obviously," quarterback Jarrett Stidham said. "I'm going to support him, whatever he decides, because he's not only a phenomenal football player, but a phenomenal person. He deserves everything that's coming his way. If he decides to stay, great. If he decides to leave, good for him. I'm going to support him either way."

*** Subscribe: Get the best Auburn intel and every scoop FOR FREE for 7 days ***

*** Get free breaking news in the Auburn Undercover newsletter ***