Auburn enters its fifth year under head coach Gus Malzahn looking to improve upon its 8-5 record from a year ago. The Tigers hope to build upon a promising defense that turned out to be the team's strength in 2016, and the offense has high expectations under first-year coordinator Chip Lindsey and his revamped scheme that will expand the passing game.

Which 10 members of the 2017 team will prove to be the difference between a successful season or a disappointing one? AL.com delves into the topic as it unveils Auburn's 10 MVPs for the 2017 season.

3. Kamryn Pettway, running back



He's one of the best running backs in the SEC, if not the country, and that's why Kamryn Pettway is No. 3 in our countdown.

If not for the addition of Jarrett Stidham in what will clearly be a more passing-oriented offense than years past, Pettway would be the top Auburn player in our countdown.

He was clearly Auburn's best offensive player a year ago, when he ran for 1,224 yards and seven touchdowns and led the SEC in rushing yards per game.

Pettway is a bulldozer and Auburn's chain mover in short yardage situations, the goal for the fall is for him to be improve his speed slightly.

"I think if you're 242 pounds and you can get a step faster this year in the off-season in speed development then that's only going to help you be a better player," running backs coach Tim Horton said. "You don't usually talk about a 245-pound kid getting faster, but if we can get (Pettway) faster I think that will just enhance his ability to make big plays for us."

Pettway's being held out of spring scrimmages, including A-Day, was a nod to the obvious, he's the starter with nothing to prove and too valuable to have risked injury.

"He got the all other work other than getting tackled," Horton said. "That was just a decision that we made that 'Hey, we know what he can do.' He had a good spring and we're anticipating him having another real good season."

It also allowed those behind him in a backfield that returns players responsible for 3,262 of its 3,527 rushing yards last season to get more reps.

His decision to return following a 1,000-yard season presents a different situation for Auburn and even the veteran coach Horton, who last had a returning 1,000-yard rusher in 2009 and has not coached the same player to back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. Should Pettway accomplish the feat and stay healthy, his draft stock should surge.

Coming Thursday: The new man in charge of the offense