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Auburn Tigers Key Player Returning to Form in 2025: The Resurgence of Damari Alston
By [Your Name]
April 13, 2025
AUBURN, Ala. — Every season in college football has its storylines, but few are as compelling as a comeback. For the Auburn Tigers in 2025, that story belongs to Damari Alston.
After an up-and-down 2024 campaign riddled with injury setbacks and inconsistent usage, Alston has returned to the forefront of Auburn’s offensive attack. The junior running back has not only reestablished himself as a vital piece of the Tigers’ offense but has also emerged as a leader both on and off the field. With his renewed explosiveness, refined vision, and relentless work ethic, Alston is shaping up to be a key driver in Auburn’s push for SEC contention.
From Setback to Breakout
Coming out of high school as a four-star recruit in the class of 2022, Alston was seen as a future impact player for the Tigers. He flashed potential as a freshman but was buried in a crowded backfield. His sophomore campaign in 2023 offered a glimpse of what he could become, particularly in late-season performances against Arkansas and New Mexico State. But just as momentum began building, injuries stalled his development.
The 2024 season was supposed to be his breakout year. Instead, Alston dealt with lingering hamstring and ankle issues that limited him to just seven appearances. Even when he played, he wasn’t himself. Lateral agility, burst, and top-end speed — his calling cards — were clearly diminished. He finished the year with just 372 rushing yards and two touchdowns, a far cry from preseason expectations.
But rather than transfer or wallow in disappointment, Alston went back to work.
The Offseason That Changed Everything
Those within the Auburn program point to the 2025 offseason as the moment Alston turned a corner — mentally and physically.
“Damari attacked the offseason like I’ve never seen before,” head coach Hugh Freeze said during spring camp. “We gave him a plan, and he not only followed it — he exceeded it. From strength training to film study to rehab, the kid was on a mission.”
Alston trained with a personal speed coach in Atlanta during winter break before returning to campus early to participate in voluntary workouts. By the time spring practices rolled around, teammates took notice.
“He looks faster. He looks stronger. And he’s seeing the field better than anyone right now,” said quarterback Deuce Knight. “He’s our spark.”
Reports from Auburn’s spring scrimmages indicate that Alston has been the most consistent playmaker on the field. He’s slicing through defenses, catching passes out of the backfield, and delivering tough runs between the tackles. The vision is sharper, and the hesitation that plagued his 2024 campaign is gone.
Auburn’s Revamped Offense — and Alston’s Role In It
Auburn’s offense in 2025 is expected to look different with the arrival of true freshman phenom quarterback Deuce Knight, who enrolled early and has already impressed coaches. Knight’s dual-threat ability will open lanes for the running game — and Alston stands to benefit the most.
“Having a quarterback who can run changes everything,” said offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery. “It freezes defenders just long enough, and that’s all a back like Damari needs.”
Alston will likely split time with redshirt freshman Jeremiah Cobb, who showed flashes in limited action last season. But make no mistake: Alston is the lead back in this rotation.
The Tigers are also returning three starting offensive linemen, including All-SEC candidate Connor Lew at center. Continuity up front, combined with the Tigers’ increasing emphasis on RPO and zone-read concepts, plays perfectly into Alston’s strengths.
“He’s got that one-cut ability that makes him ideal for zone schemes,” said running backs coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams. “But he can also catch it and hit you with power. He’s becoming the total package.”
Numbers That Back It Up
While the 2025 regular season is still months away, early indications suggest a major statistical bounce-back for Alston. In Auburn’s spring game, he totaled 121 yards on 12 touches, including a 54-yard touchdown run that showcased his burst and patience.
More importantly, Auburn’s offensive tempo and versatility should result in more touches for backs. Freeze has emphasized balance heading into the fall, noting that Auburn’s goal is to average 200 rushing yards per game — a mark they’ve failed to hit consistently since 2017.
If Alston stays healthy, a 1,000-yard season is well within reach.
A Leader in the Locker Room
It’s not just on the field where Alston has made his presence felt. According to teammates and coaches, he’s become a vocal leader in the locker room and an emotional anchor for the team.
“You need guys who’ve been through stuff,” said linebacker Eugene Asante. “Damari’s had injuries, he’s had his reps cut, he’s been questioned. But he never stopped grinding. That’s the kind of guy you want to go to war with.”
Alston was named one of the team’s four permanent captains heading into fall camp — a rare honor for a running back. He’s been active in mentoring younger players, organizing film sessions, and setting the tone during workouts.
His leadership extends to the community as well. Alston has partnered with several local charities, helping raise funds for youth sports programs in the Auburn-Opelika area.
The Bigger Picture — Auburn’s 2025 Outlook
The Tigers enter 2025 looking to build off a transitional 2024 season that saw flashes of promise but inconsistency throughout. With the SEC East and West divisions eliminated and a new 16-team format in play, every game matters more than ever.
Alston’s return to form could be the X-factor that pushes Auburn into true SEC contention. With Deuce Knight under center, a maturing offensive line, and playmakers on both sides of the ball, this team has the pieces to make noise.
But it all starts with establishing the run — and that responsibility lies with Alston.
“We want to be the most physical team in the conference,” Freeze said. “That starts with Damari. He brings the juice every day.”
Eyes on the NFL?
With a strong 2025 season, Alston could also play his way into serious NFL Draft consideration. At 5-foot-10 and 205 pounds, he has the frame to hold up in the pros, especially if he continues to demonstrate versatility as a pass-catcher.
Scouts are already intrigued by his bounce-back this spring. One NFC scout in attendance at Auburn’s Pro Day told reporters, “If he stays healthy and keeps this up, you’re looking at a Day 2 guy, easy.”
But for now, Alston is focused on the present.
“I’m not thinking about the league yet,” he said after the spring game. “I’m just thinking about beating Georgia and Alabama. One day at a time.”
Final Thoughts
Comebacks in college football are rare. The combination of transfer portal chaos, high-pressure environments, and constant competition means that many players fade once adversity hits.
Damari Alston chose a different path. He stayed. He worked. He believed.
Now, Auburn is reaping the benefits.
In a 2025 season filled with high expectations and a brutal SEC gauntlet, the Tigers will need every bit of Alston’s production, leadership, and fight. If spring is any indication, the Tigers’ bell-cow back is back — and better than ever.
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