Malcolm Johnson shares what Jarquez Hunter's return means for Auburn

Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter was welcomed back to practice Tuesday. Hunter missed the first four days of fall camp due to an investigation from the university into possible misconduct, but appears to be good to go a few weeks before kickoff.

That news is a great relief for his Tigers teammates as he is expected to lead the backfield with Tank Bigsby on to the NFL. Speaking in front of media after the practice, receiver Malcolm Johnson Jr. opened up on what it means to have Hunter back.

“He’s a great guy to be around when you actually get to know him,” Johnson said. “He’s somebody that I trust and he brings a different element to the game that we all enjoy.”

It’s unclear exactly what led to Auburn’s investigation of Hunter. Coach Hugh Freeze previously declined to speak on the matter both at the start of fall camp and at SEC Media Days in July, saying he “can’t comment on university policies and procedures.”

Regardless, the situation seems to have reached a resolution. Now Hunter will focus on leading the charge for the Tigers backfield as they enter Freeze’s inaugural season following a disappointing two years under Bryan Harsin.

Hunter joined Auburn in 2021 as a three-star recruit out of Nehsoba Central (MS) High School. He ranked as the No. 734 overall recruit and No. 49 running back according to the On3 Industry Rating, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

He immediately made an impact, proving to be a gem for the Tigers. Playing behind Bigsby, he totaled 593 yards rushing and three touchdowns as a true freshman. He followed that up with 668 and seven touchdowns the following season as a sophomore. He showed off great speed in averaging 6.4 yards per carry while also hauling in 17 catches for 224 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Although Hunter projects as the RB1, Auburn also has a couple of other options behind him. Firstly, the Tigers return Damari Alston, who played a minor role as a true freshman. They also added South Florida transfer Brian Battie, who rushed for 1,185 yards and eight touchdowns this past season with the Bulls.

Battie is limited in fall camp after undergoing an offseason procedure on his foot, but Freeze likes what he’s seen out of both him and true freshman Jeremiah Cobb.

“I love our running back room this spring,” the coach said. “I’m excited about adding (Jeremiah) Cobb and (Brian) Battie. We’ve got good players there.”

Ultimately, it’s shaping up to be a strong group and Hunter’s return only makes it better. The Tigers will kick off the 2023 season on Sept. 2 against UMass.