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Analyst says junior skill position player a ‘terrific weapon’ under Auburn football HC Hugh Freeze

By Andrew Hughes

A returning junior skill position player has been deemed a 'terrific weapon' in the hands of first-year Auburn football HC Hugh Freeze Mandatory Credit: The Montgomery Advertiser
A returning junior skill position player has been deemed a 'terrific weapon' in the hands of first-year Auburn football HC Hugh Freeze Mandatory Credit: The Montgomery Advertiser /
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The staff of On3 Sports is high on third-year Auburn football running back Jarquez Hunter — going as far as ranking him at No. 5 on the publication’s Top 10 running backs in college football for the 2023 season.

As the staff points out, unlike the other backs on the list such as Heisman hopeful Blake Corum, Pike Road product and Ole Miss star Quinshon Judkins, and Arkansas’ breakout sophomore sensation Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, Hunter is a bit of an unproven commodity.

Still, Hunter is seen as someone who will do damage under a new head coach and behind an offensive line set to potentially replace four of the five starters:

"“Hunter doesn’t have the production of some of the other players on this list, but you have to keep in mind that Auburn was a team essentially going through a coaching change during the season. Hunter is plenty versatile and ran for 668 yards and seven touchdowns, as well as catching 17 passes for 224 yards and two scores. He’ll be a terrific weapon in the hands of Hugh Freeze.”"

Jarquez Hunter could most important weapon for whoever ends up Auburn football QB1

We know for a fact that Hunter is stepping into the RB1 role in 2023, but with new Auburn football offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery now in charge, the Philadelphia, Mississippi product could see a big role in the passing game too.

With Robby Ashford projected to be the starter, there could be a focus on checkdowns and HB screens. Taking shots downfield more frequently would be preferable for Montgomery’s schemes, but the offense would be most effective by pounding the ball through designed runs and improvised scrambles given the personnel. Montgomery’s personal affection of the RPO should benefit the versatile Ashford, and in turn, the multi-level backfield threat weapon Hunter.

USF transfer Brian Battie will be a return game menace for opposing special teams’ and Damari Alston will provide a breather for Hunter as the coaching staff looks to mold the next RB1 when Hunter moves onto the NFL or simply finishes his four years.

If Ashford is going to be the catalyst for winning football as Late Kick host Josh Pate expects him to, Hunter will be right there with him leading the charge.

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