Jarquez Hunter was a pivotal member of the Auburn football RB room for four years. In 2021, he burst onto the scene and was nearly as productive as Tank Bigsby. In 2023, he fully took the reins as the Tigers' top back. In 2024, he singlehandedly won AU the Kentucky game at Kroger Field.
His departure will be a big one. As The Montgomery Advertiser's Adam Cole notes, Hunter's production can not, and likely will not, be replaced by one player.
"Expect Auburn to have a by-committee effort from its stable of backs in replacing Hunter's production, with four blue-chip backs who each bring different shades to the offense," Cole wrote.
Cole did name Hunter's likely replacement as Auburn's resident workhorse: Montgomery Catholic product Jeremiah Cobb.
"A group effort in replacing Hunter could shake out in a litany of ways. But if anyone leads the Tigers in rushing yards in 2025, I expect it to be Jeremiah Cobb," Cole wrote.
"The rising junior from Montgomery has rushed for 314 yards in two seasons and scored four touchdowns as a freshman. Damari Alston and UConn transfer Durell Robinson are sure to do their parts, but if anyone's leading the Tigers in rushing, look to their most well-rounded back."
As Hunter goes off to the NFL, the Tigers have the chance to become even more of a ground-and-pound operation with Jackson Arnold in tow as QB1. There may not be one single shining star, but as long as the chains are moving, it doesn't matter.
Hugh Freeze needs wins more than anything else. If someone breaks out in the process, the more the merrier. But it's more of a bonus than a need.
The RB room improving further seems possible. The offensive line is quickly becoming a strength for the Tigers after years of being a weakness.
The ingredients are there. That doesn't mean losing an ingredient like Hunter doesn't hurt. Because it sure does.