AUBURN — The Auburn Tigers are getting ready for the 2024 football season as training camp continues.
One member of the Tigers with a lot of expectations coming into this season is senior running back Jarquez Hunter.
Hunter rushed for 909 yards and seven touchdowns off 159 carries last season.
Additionally, Hunter was selected to the Preseason All-SEC First Team.
Hunter talked about what makes Auburn's backfield so dangerous this season.
"All of us can go from the backfield, we can go from the receiving spot, we can do what the tight ends can do," Hunter said. "All of us can do all positions that coach asks us to do and we can do it pretty well."
Hunter is taking on a leadership role as one of the team's veterans and is coaching up the younger players.
"It feels good," Hunter said. "It was my turn, I learned from the older guys. I just try to teach them and make sure they do everything right and just coach them up."
Head coach Hugh Freeze brought in Derrick Nix from Ole Miss to serve as Auburn's offensive coordinator. Hunter talked about what it has been like to work with him so far.
"It's been great working with Coach Nix," Hunter said. "He's very intentional, he teaches us a lot, he's very detailed to what he's teaching us, he's a good coach."
Hunter noted that Auburn's running back room feels disrespected by the lack of attention the unit gets.
"That's very disrespectful," Hunter said. "I believe we're one of the top running back rooms in the nation or the best. We're very underrated, we can do anything anyone else can do."
Hunter talked about the improvements made by Jeremiah Cobb and Damari Alston.
"Mostly pass protection, that's a big deal in our game and what we do," Hunter said. "We gotta protect the quarterback. More catching the ball out of the backfield, we all got better at doing that."
Freeze discussed trying to keep Hunter healthy for the season and limiting his contact, but Hunter embraces contact.
"I like to go out there, I want as much contact as I can get, Hunter said. "I don't like to sit out I get bored just standing on the sideline. That's why I'm always moving around. I hope I can go out there and play as much as I can, as much as he lets me."
Auburn opens up the season at home against Alabama A&M on August 31 at 6:30 p.m. CT. ESPN+/SEC Network+ will carry the broadcast.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email daniel.locke@1819news.com.
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