Underclassman RB has surprised Auburn OC more than anybody else

The Auburn football program is nearly finished with the 2023 edition of spring practice, and it has emerged that there are definitely areas of improvement for the Tigers. Head coach Hugh Freeze noted that the quarterbacks and the wide receivers still have a long way to go before the fall, while the offensive line has been praised for improvement.

If there is one position group on the team that doesn’t need to be worried about, it’s definitely the running backs. The Tigers’ RBs have historically been a strong group, and with Cadillac Williams leading the way that isn’t expected to change.

Junior running back Jarquez Hunter has already proven himself to be a powerhouse for the offense, even while competing for playing time with Tank Bigsby as he did last season. The Tigers also brought in USF transfer running back Brian Battie, and Jeremiah Cobb will join the group as a true freshman this fall.

However, don’t sleep on sophomore running back Damari Alston, who saw game action several times as a true freshman last season. According to offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery, Alston has made quite an impression during spring training, per Auburn Undercover:

"“”I’ve thought from the start of spring camp, he’s the guy that’s probably surprised me a little bit more out of the running back room than anybody,” offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery said this week of Alston. “From Day 1, I thought he had a pretty good feel with what we were trying to do in the run game, with seeing it, setting up blocks and still had that physicality about him. But the speed that he brings — man, he’s got gears in there.”"

Montgomery has said he would like to have a true three-back rotation in the new offense this fall, and Alston has been keeping up with both Hunter and Battie during practices.

As a true freshman, Alston had 14 rushing attempts for 85 yards, and he played in all 12 games. He also contributed on special teams during kick returns, with four attempts for 47 yards.

Although many parts of the Auburn football team still need work ahead of Hugh Freeze’s first season on the Plains, there is clearly still much to look forward to this fall.