Auburn football HC Hugh Freeze sends strong message about RB’s work ethic

Though the Auburn football program is losing running back Tank Bigsby to the NFL ahead of the 2023 season, the running backs room on the Plains is still shaping up to be top-tier. The Tigers continue to recruit the position well, and will bring in newcomer Jeremiah Cobb this fall after transfer Brian Battie joined in the spring.

Both Damari Alston and Jarquez Hunter will be returning, and Hunter has long since been expected to do great things. He truly made his mark last season playing alongside Tank Bigsby, and after spring practice over the past month it’s clear that Hunter is setting himself up to be one of the top running backs in the SEC in 2023.

Even head coach Hugh Freeze has noticed Hunter standing out, referring to him as one of the best running backs he’s ever coached, per Auburn Rivals. But it’s not only his performance that makes him a quality running back. Freeze also has high praise for Hunter when it comes to his growing leadership on the team:

"“Excited about his demeanor and the way he goes about his work,” said Freeze. “He keeps his mouth shut and just goes to work. If you want him to play kickoff team or punt team, he’s all, ‘Let’s go. Let’s do it.’ Not that we want him to do that.”"

As a true freshman in 2021, Hunter had 89 carries for 593 yards and three touchdowns in addition to 12 receptions for 61 yards and one touchdown. He saw the field a lot more in 2022, and finished the season with 104 carries for 675 yards and a whopping seven touchdowns with 17 receptions for 224 yards and another two touchdowns.

Heading into his third year on the Plains with Auburn football, it’s clear that Hunter is willing to put in the work, lift his teammates up, and do whatever it takes to be the best running back he can be, and there’s no doubt that he will do great things in orange and blue this fall.