After watching an Auburn football offense that struggled mightily all throughout the 2022 season, fans are excited to witness the new style of play under offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery.
Last year’s offense had a hard time for various reasons, from blocking to executing to lack of experience and direction. But a lot things will be different this year: new offensive line personnel, new offensive coordinator, new offensive schemes.
One thing that will not be different in the 2023 season is Jarquez Hunter in the running back position. Hunter made his mark last season playing in tandem with Tank Bigsby, and he will have big shoes to fill in the wake of Bigsby’s departure for the NFL Draft.
With no depth chart set during spring training, Hunter, sophomore Damari Alston, and USF transfer Brian Battie will spend the 15 allotted practices competing with each other and forming a strong RB room.
According to Auburn Live, here is what the junior running back said when asked his opinion of the new offensive style under Montgomery:
"“I like it pretty much… It’s fast paced, we’re going to beat a lot of defense with that fast offense. I think Coach Montgomery knows what he’s doing.”“It’s going to take a little bit for everybody- like quarterback, O-line, the receivers, being all one thing- but we’re going to get it eventually because that’s going to help us out this season.”"
Being all one thing, as Hunter put it, is the goal. The offense needs an identity, they need to be a strong unit, and they need to perform to their best abilities in their respective position groups.
This year’s spring practice will be hugely important in creating offensive plans for the upcoming season, as Montgomery previously said that the offense would be molded around the strengths and weaknesses of the quarterback.