Auburn football HC Hugh Freeze sees this RB’s involvement ‘growing’

There was a lot of focus on the Auburn football running back room this summer. When the news broke about Jarquez Hunter’s involvement in the internet scandal and later his indefinite suspension, there were worries about how the Tigers would handle the situation should Hunter be out during the season.

The answers given by the coaching staff pointed to a “running back by committee” approach, meaning that the other RB’s in the room—including sophomore Damari Alston, transfer Brian Battie, and true freshman Jeremiah Cobb—would all play a part in the offense.

All summer and into the first game of the season there were question marks around Hunter’s name, but there was consistent praise coming from the staff about the other backs, from Alston’s skill and leadership to Cobb’s ability to adapt to the SEC level as a newbie.

Now, even after Hunter’s return to the lineup in Week 2, it’s clear that there is plenty of talent to go around in the running backs room, and the other guys will continue to play a role as the season progresses. However, there is one RB in particular that Hugh Freeze had compliments for following the victory over Cal, per Auburn Rivals:

"“I love it every time (Cobb) has the ball in his hands,” said AU coach Hugh Freeze. “The problem is I like Jarquez and I like Damari and I like Battie also. But Jeremiah’s got something different to him. And the stage, to this point, doesn’t appear to be too big for him. I would only see his involvement growing, for sure, not diminishing.”"

In two games so far, Cobb has racked up eight carries for 77 yards and one touchdown. Freeze went on to say he hopes the Tigers find a way to keep all the running backs involved because they all help Auburn football win games.