Auburn running back room 'connected' and 'feeding off each other' during spring camp

AUBURN — Despite the loss of Tank Bigsby to the NFL, the Auburn running back room is in good shape according to offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery.

“I really like our running back room. I think we have guys in there that all feeding off each other. There’s a good battle going on in there. They all understand, it’s probably going to be some version of a rotation in the backfield,” Montgomery said.

Jarquez Hunter will be the workhorse, that much is clear. He’s rushed for 1,261 yards and 10 touchdowns during his first two seasons, averaging over 6.4 yards per carry in both seasons. Damari Alston and transfer Brian Battie will spell Hunter. Alston played sparingly last season, but showed flashes as a freshman, rushing 14 times for 85 yards, good for better than six yards per carry. Battie played three seasons at South Florida, racking up 1,842 yards and 10 touchdowns, before transferring to Auburn in the offseason.

“We know what Jarquez is going to bring and how tough he is and the physicality he brings — but all those guys are bringing those same things to the table,” Montgomery said. “I’ve been really impressed with that room. They have a chance to have a special season. They’re going to be a vital, vital part of what we do.”

Alston spoke with the media and seemed to echo the sentiments of Montgomery.

“Everybody has seen Jarquez play,” Alston said. “He brings that power, that force to the table, that speed. I feel like I bring that as well, that speed, and I can get pretty elusive in and out of my cuts. Brian, he brings the speed and the cuts as well. Not to mention we can all catch out of the backfield as well.”

Alston stands 5-foot-9 and 206 pounds after focusing on getting bigger and stronger in the offseason. “I’m playing some big-boy ball in the SEC, and I’m getting ready for that,” he said.

Montgomery admits Alston has been somewhat of a pleasant surprise this spring.

“He’s got really good vision. He’s learning to be more patient within his running style, and when he hits it, he has a really good gear,” Montgomery said. “I thought from the start of spring camp, he’s a guy that’s probably surprised me more out of the backfield out of the running back room. From day one, he’s got a good feel — but the speed he brings, he’s got gears in there.”

Then there’s Battie, who while small at 5-foot-7 and 170 pounds, brings some unique skills to the field. “Speed and quickness” seem to be Battie’s hallmark, Alston said. And Montgomery can speak from experience, as Battie rushed for 169 yards against Montgomery-led Tulsa last season.

“The thing about Brian, and he’s got really good speed, but the thing you notice when you’re around him and play against him, is he is very difficult to tackle,” Montgomery said. “He does a great job of setting up blocks and being patient, he can start and stop and create spacing for himself. He hides behind things and then all of a sudden, he pops up and good things are happening.

“I’m really impressed with what he’s been able to do so far. He’s got that shake to him. He can get you off balance. If you go watch his tapes, he doesn’t take many hard hits. He understand how to maneuver himself and finish forward. He’s electric with the ball in his hands.”

While there are question marks around different position groups on Auburn’s team, the running back room seems to be a room that’s quickly developing into one of the most reliable.

“I feel like us as a whole, we’re so connected,” Alston said. “Ever since, we’ve been going, helping each other out on and off the field. The running back room is at its best right now and will keep getting better.”

The Tigers will practice every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the most part leading into the April 8 spring game inside Jordan-Hare Stadium. Here’s the schedule of practices: February 27, March 1, 3, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, April 3, 5, 7 and 8. Auburn took the week of March 5-11 off for spring break.