Hugh Freeze declines comment on status of RB Jarquez Hunter, praises leadership of backup Damari Alston
AUBURN — Auburn football started fall camp on Thursday, and once again head coach Hugh Freeze was asked about the status of running back Jarquez Hunter. And once again, Freeze declined to shed any light on the subject.
“I’ll say this again. I understand the question, but matters related to team rules and procedures are handled internally and will not be discussed publicly,” Freeze said.
Hunter is on Auburn’s official football roster, but Hunter was not seen at Thursday’s practice.
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This echoed what Freeze said at SEC Media Days, when he answered, “I can’t comment on university policies and procedures.”
Damari Alston and South Florida transfer Brian Battie are Hunter’s immediate backups.
“Damari (Alston) has been one of the best leaders on our team this summer and spring,” Freeze said. Battie will be “limited” during fall camp after an offseason procedure on his foot.
The university hasn’t released any additional statements regarding the subject. This is the first Freeze has spoken about the situation.
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Hunter is projected to be the Tigers’ starting running back and has continued to garner postseason attention as one of the league’s best backs.
On3 Sports Jesse Simonton is the latest to praise Hunter, calling him one of the top-10 most intriguing players in the SEC. Here’s what Simonton said about Hunter:
After serving as Tank Bigsby’s backup the last two seasons, Hunter is RB1 for the Tigers now in a new-look offense under Hugh Freeze. Hunter has explosive potential, averaging over 6.5 yards per carry during his career. He rushed for 675 yards and seven scores on just 104 carries in 2022, and while he’ll share touches with USF transfer Brian Battie, Hunter will be the guy Freeze leans on this fall.
This offseason, Freeze called Hunter the “best running back I’ve ever coached.” Auburn has question marks at quarterback and receiver, but the Tigers did overhaul their offensive line via the transfer portal, so Hunter could have more room to operate — while being more heavily relied on.
Hunter enters his junior season with 1,261 career yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged over six yards per carry during his first two seasons at Auburn backing up Tank Bigsby. Bigsby, of course, was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of this year’s NFL Draft.
On3 Sports Matt Zenitz called Jarquez Hunter one of the top-10 spring standouts in college football. Zenitz said this of Hunter post spring:
Back in early April, new Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze threw out a big-time compliment for his new running back. “I think Jarquez is special,” Freeze said. “I do, I think he’s probably the best running back I’ve ever coached, truthfully.” That’s how impressive Hunter was during the spring for the Tigers. After contributing as Tank Bigsby’s backup the last two seasons, Hunter now has a chance to show what he can do as Auburn’s No. 1 back. The Tigers’ staff is expecting a big year from him. One Tigers source said Hunter may be the best player on Auburn’s team.
Pro Football Focus ranked Jarquez Hunter one of the top-10 returning running backs in the SEC. Hunter was joined by teammate and transfer running back Brian Battie on the list.
