Cadillac Williams hopes children look up to Jarquez Hunter on and off the field

Following Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter‘s third consecutive 100+ yard rushing game, interim head coach Cadillac Williams shared praise for the sophomore’s attitude on and off the field.

Despite falling short against Alabama on Saturday, Hunter had a season-high 134 rushing yards on just 11 carries.

“I pray to God that my two boys got his type of attitude, his work ethic,” Williams said, via Justin Ferguson. “That young man is special. And I’m not just talking about on the field — by the way he treats people and the way he goes about his business.”

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Reporters told Hunter what his position coach said about him after the 49-27 loss, and his response was humble.

“I just want to make an impact on people,” Hunter said.

Thanks to his stellar Week 13 performance, the Philadelphia, Mississippi native closed out the regular season with 675 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 104 carries. He also added 17 receptions for 224 yards and two more touchdowns. His 6.49 yards per carry average ranks fifth amongst running backs in the SEC.

All of his 2022 numbers showed improvement over his freshman season. Last year, he had 576 rushing yards, plus another 17 from the postseason bowl game. He had just four total scores a year ago.

Hunter and the rest of the Tigers are now in limbo as they await their postseason fate and a new head coach. With a 5-7 record, there is still a chance for Auburn to earn a bowl bid.

Hugh Freeze addresses Auburn rumors

As Liberty prepared to kick off its game Saturday against New Mexico State, reports swirled saying Hugh Freeze was emerging as the top target at Auburn after Lane Kiffin said he’s staying at Ole Miss. After the Flames’ lopsided 42-14 loss to the Aggies, Freeze directly addressed the speculation.

Kiffin told ESPN’s Chris Low he’s staying at Ole Miss and signing an extension. A report surfaced during the fourth quarter saying Freeze has spoken with the Liberty administration about the job.

“I’ve communicated with (Liberty athletic director) Ian (McCaw) if someone ever wanted to talk to us that interests us, I would always tell him,” Freeze said. “Is the job everyone is talking about one that I would have an interest in talking with? Sure. That doesn’t mean they have not offered me a job. Who knows where that’s headed?

“But I’ve always said I love being here on the mountain. I’m happy here. But I’m not going to sit and say to our kids that’s just absolutely false there’s no interest in it. The part that is false is that there has been no offer made to me and nor have I accepted anything.”