A leader has emerged for Auburn's No. 3 running back spot, even if it's not officially listed on the depth chart.

Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson are Auburn's clear top two options in the backfield, and are actually listed as co-starters, but the next man up is a different style of runner.

"Kam Martin will probably be the next guy that is in," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said Tuesday. "Devan Barrett's done a good job. Malik Willis has good job. We've got confidence in all those guys. ... The good thing is we got depth at that position. That's always a positive."

Martin, a sophomore, had 44 carries for 320 yards and three touchdowns with two receptions for 52 yards last season.

Redshirt-freshman Malik Miller and freshman Devan Barrett also contended for the role and Malzahn said they both did well this preseason.

Barrett is also expected to have a role on special teams and is listed as the third kickoff returner.

"Devan's a guy that we feel like is talented, he just needs more experience," Malzahn said. "When he gets in there, he could be very specific on some of the things he does."

AL.com will update this story.