Kerryon Johnson's diverse skill set earned him preseason honors.

The Auburn junior running back and kickoff returner was among 46 players, including eight from the SEC, named to the Paul Hornung Award watch list by the Louisville Sports Commission on Monday.

In its eighth season, the Paul Hornung Award is given annually to the most versatile player in major college football. Michigan's Jabrill Peppers won the award last season.

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Johnson had 895 yards and 11 touchdowns, 17 catches for 125 yards, 12 kickoff returns for 267 yards and was 3 for 3 passing with a touchdown in 12 games last season. He was a preseason Third Team All-SEC selection as an all-purpose specialist and is expected to be Auburn's No. 2 running back and primary kickoff returner this fall.

The Hornung Award watch list is comprised of one graduate student, 23 seniors, 19 juniors, and three sophomores who play a total of nine different positions. This year's winner and his family will be honored at the annual Paul Hornung Award Banquet at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville on March 8, 2018.

Johnson is the eighth Auburn player named to a preseason watch list. Safety Tray Matthews was named to the Bednarik Award watch list, quarterback Jarrett Stidham and running back Kamryn Pettway were named to the Maxwell Award watch list, center Austin Golson was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list, kicker Daniel Carlson was on the Lou Groza Award watch list, offensive tackle Braden Smith was on the Outland Trophy watch list and linebacker Tre' Williams is on the Butkus watch list.