Auburn Tigers: Depth, a running back
A lot of fans and media are watching what happens at quarterback for the Auburn Tigers as they start spring practice. The running back room is one group on this squad that the Auburn supporters should have complete faith in. One of the best running back depths in the SEC is found on the Tigers. They are really experienced as well. With 189 rushing yards per game last season, the squad finished fourth in the SEC. With 515 yards, quarterback Payton Thorne was second on the team and was a major contributor to the rushing offence. Robby Ashford made a five-touchdown contribution, but he left to join South Carolina following the season.
Derrick Nix will take Carnell “Cadillac” Williams’ post as position coach for the team.
After the 2023 season, the Tigers received exciting news that Jarquez Hunter will be playing on the plains once more. Hunter gained 909 yards and seven touchdowns via rush last season. After serving a suspension at the beginning of the season for some off-field problems, Hunter struggled to establish himself in the starting lineup. He didn’t make a 60-yard dash.
up until a 91-yard performance on October 21st in a 28-21 loss to Ole Miss. Hunter then had three straight games of 100 yards or more, with the Tigers going unbeaten against Vanderbilt, Arkansas, and Mississippi State. In the devastating defeat to Alabama, he finished the regular season with 93 yards. Hunter ought to aim to surpass 1,000 yards this year with a successful season-long play.
Damari Alston was hindered by injuries, while Hunter was derailed early due to a suspension and sluggish performance. In 2023, he only ran for 320 yards and two touchdowns on 64 carries. Positively, he did manage to average five yards each try. Due to a sore shoulder, he was forced to leave the game early in a September loss to Texas A&M and did not return for a month. With 85 yards on ten carries and one touchdown, Alston had a strong performance in the Iron Bowl. When healthy, he is a dynamic offensive option for the Tigers and is an explosive player.
