The Auburn Tigers football program has long been known for producing elite running backs who become cornerstones of the team’s offense. From Bo Jackson to Rudi Johnson and Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, Auburn has a proud history of powerful, explosive runners who have made their mark on the SEC and college football. However, with the departure of Jarquez Hunter, the Tigers find themselves at a pivotal moment in their offensive evolution. The void left by Hunter’s departure has created a pressing need for a new main running back who can carry the load and help lead the Tigers’ offense to success.
Hunter, who played a significant role in the Tigers’ backfield over the past several seasons, was a dynamic player with the ability to break big runs and provide consistency for Auburn’s offense. His vision, speed, and ability to read defenses made him one of the most dependable offensive weapons for the Tigers. However, after his exit—whether due to the NFL draft, transfer, or graduation—Auburn must now figure out how to fill the void at running back. This transition could significantly shape the team’s offensive identity in the upcoming season and beyond.
As Auburn moves forward into the 2025 season, the question remains: who will step up to become the new workhorse for the Tigers’ backfield? With a mix of returning players, promising newcomers, and potential transfers, the Tigers’ coaching staff will have a challenging yet exciting task ahead in finding the right player to fill the shoes of Hunter and lead Auburn’s rushing attack.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the departure of Jarquez Hunter, the key candidates vying for the starting running back spot, and the challenges and opportunities facing Auburn’s rushing attack in the post-Hunter era.
The Impact of Jarquez Hunter’s Departure
Jarquez Hunter was a dynamic and versatile running back who became one of Auburn’s most valuable offensive weapons during his tenure with the Tigers. Arriving at Auburn as part of a highly-touted recruiting class, Hunter quickly established himself as a key contributor in the Tigers’ backfield. Over his career, Hunter accumulated over 2,000 rushing yards, along with multiple touchdowns, and became known for his ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces while also possessing the speed to break off long runs.
Hunter’s ability to contribute as both a ball carrier and a receiving threat out of the backfield made him a dual-threat weapon for Auburn’s offense. His consistency as a starting running back was critical to Auburn’s offensive attack, particularly during seasons when the Tigers relied heavily on their ground game. With Hunter out of the picture, the Tigers now find themselves in a transition phase. While the team has a wealth of talent in the running back room, replacing a player of Hunter’s caliber is no easy task.
Hunter’s departure also leaves a leadership vacuum in Auburn’s backfield. Hunter’s experience, maturity, and work ethic made him a key leader both on and off the field. His ability to mentor younger players and help maintain the team’s running back unit’s cohesion will be sorely missed. Moreover, Hunter’s ability to shoulder a heavy workload and be a consistent presence in all phases of the running game means that whoever steps in to replace him must be capable of handling the pressure and responsibility.
Candidates to Replace Jarquez Hunter
With Hunter gone, Auburn has several options to consider in their search for a new lead running back. The Tigers have a mix of returning players, potential breakout candidates, and newcomers who are all eager to step up and make an impact in the backfield. Auburn’s coaching staff, led by head coach Hugh Freeze, will have to make careful evaluations during spring and fall practices to determine which player is best suited to take on the role of primary ball carrier.
Let’s break down the top candidates vying for the starting running back position at Auburn:
1. Damari Alston – The Sophomore Who Could Breakout
One of the most promising candidates to take over the starting running back role is Damari Alston. The 6-foot, 215-pound running back from Atlanta, Georgia, had an impressive freshman season in 2024 and showcased flashes of brilliance that caught the attention of Auburn fans and coaches alike.
Alston’s skill set mirrors some of the qualities that made Hunter so effective: a combination of vision, quickness, and power that allows him to excel between the tackles. While he may not have Hunter’s top-end speed, Alston makes up for it with his toughness and physicality, which make him an ideal fit for a workhorse role. Alston has the potential to emerge as the centerpiece of Auburn’s ground game, especially given his ability to wear down defenses with his downhill running style.
In 2024, Alston finished with over 700 yards rushing and showed an ability to handle a larger workload when given the chance. If Alston can continue to refine his skills, including improving his pass protection and receiving ability, he could be a force for the Tigers. He has the advantage of familiarity with the system and the program, making him a strong contender for the starting role.
2. Jarquez Hunter’s Successor: Damari Alston – Key Attributes to Watch
One of the things that made Hunter so effective was his ability to read defenses and exploit weaknesses in the opposition. This was something Alston demonstrated during his freshman campaign and something he’ll look to improve upon in 2025. A major key for Alston will be his ability to balance patience with decisiveness, allowing him to find running lanes while also taking advantage of open space when it presents itself.
Additionally, Alston’s ability to contribute as a receiver out of the backfield will be an area of focus. Hunter was a versatile weapon who could catch passes and make plays in the open field. Alston has shown potential as a receiver, and it will be important for him to develop into a dual-threat player in the same vein as Hunter.
3. Sean Jackson – The Speedster and Playmaker
Another player who could make an impact as Auburn’s new starting running back is Sean Jackson. The speedy 5-foot-10, 190-pound running back from Birmingham, Alabama, is known for his quick burst and ability to make defenders miss in the open field. Jackson’s speed makes him a threat to break long runs and stretch the field in ways that Auburn hasn’t seen in recent years.
In 2024, Jackson showed that he had the ability to produce in limited action, and his agility, vision, and ability to change direction make him a dangerous weapon. However, Jackson’s ability to withstand a larger workload over the course of an entire season remains a question. While he has the burst and playmaking ability to make an impact, his durability and consistency at the college level will be closely monitored.
One area where Jackson could have an advantage over other candidates is his ability to serve as a pass-catching threat. With Freeze’s offensive system relying on spreading the ball around and utilizing backs in the passing game, Jackson’s ability to contribute in the passing attack could give him an edge. If he can prove that he can handle more carries while continuing to be a factor in the passing game, Jackson could earn the starting role in the Tigers’ backfield.
4. Newcomers and Transfers – Potential Hidden Gems
Auburn has also added some talented running backs through the transfer portal and their 2025 recruiting class. One name to watch is Jason Huggins, a talented running back transfer from Tulane. Huggins rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2024, and his ability to hit the ground running could make him an immediate impact player for Auburn. His experience and proven production at the college level could make him a valuable addition to the Tigers’ running back committee.
Additionally, Reggie Williams, a freshman running back from South Florida, comes to Auburn with high expectations. Williams is a physically gifted back with elite speed and power, and he could provide an exciting option for Auburn if he proves to be ready for SEC competition. As with any freshman, there will be growing pains, but Williams’ potential could make him a key part of Auburn’s future at running back.
Challenges and Opportunities for Auburn’s Running Game
The post-Jarquez Hunter era presents both challenges and opportunities for Auburn’s offense. The biggest challenge will be replacing Hunter’s consistency and leadership in the backfield. While the Tigers have talented players vying for the starting spot, none of them have proven to be as reliable and durable as Hunter was over the course of his career. Auburn will need a running back who can handle a heavy workload, stay healthy throughout the season, and produce when it matters most.
Another challenge will be developing the offensive line. The success of any running back depends heavily on the play of the offensive line, and Auburn’s line will need to continue to improve in order to open up running lanes and create opportunities for the backs. Freeze’s ability to develop the offensive line and incorporate various running back styles into his system will be a key factor in the Tigers’ success.
However, the opportunities for Auburn are just as significant. The Tigers have a chance to build a new offensive identity and rely on a more balanced attack, which could make them more difficult to defend. The ability to build a strong running game will complement Auburn’s passing attack, allowing them to control the clock and dictate the tempo of games. With Freeze’s offensive mindset and a talented group of running backs, Auburn has the potential to create a dynamic backfield that can be a force in the SEC.