Jarquez Hunter Auburn RB: Rising Star Set to Lead Tigers’ Offense in 2025 Season
Jarquez Hunter has emerged as one of the most complete running backs in college football. The Auburn Tigers senior has steadily built his reputation as a consistent performer in the SEC, now ranking fourth among Auburn career rushers with 3,371 yards and 25 touchdowns. His combination of explosive playmaking ability and durability has made him a legitimate NFL prospect heading into the 2025 Draft.
The Philadelphia, Mississippi native has been a model of consistency throughout his Auburn career, recording 12 career 100-yard games while earning first-team All-SEC honors. What makes Hunter particularly intriguing is how he’s elevated his game each season since arriving on campus. His vision between the tackles and acceleration in the open field have become his calling cards in a conference known for elite defensive talent.
NFL scouts have taken notice of the 5-9.5, 204-pound back who has shown remarkable durability despite a heavy workload. Hunter’s career at Auburn is expected to conclude after the 2025 season, giving him one final opportunity to cement his legacy among Tiger greats before taking his talents to the professional level.
Contents
Early Life and High School Career
Jarquez Hunter’s journey to becoming a standout Auburn running back began in Philadelphia, Mississippi, where he developed his explosive running style and work ethic that would later define his college career.
High School Achievements
Hunter’s high school career at Neshoba Central High School was nothing short of remarkable. He earned the prestigious title of Mississippi Mr. Football, establishing himself as the state’s premier high school player. His senior season statistics were eye-popping, as he amassed 1,687 rushing yards and found the end zone 22 times.
The running back’s natural talent was evident each Friday night as he showcased his combination of power and elusiveness against overmatched defenders. Hunter wasn’t just a standout on the field – he excelled in the classroom as well, later earning spots on the AD Honor Roll and SEC first-year academic honor roll at Auburn.
Recruitment
Despite his impressive high school resume, Hunter wasn’t initially ranked among the nation’s elite running back prospects. He was considered a solid but not spectacular three-star recruit by most services.
Auburn identified Hunter’s potential early and pursued him aggressively. The Tigers’ coaching staff saw beyond the rankings, recognizing his natural running instincts and untapped potential. Hunter ultimately chose Auburn over several other programs, seeing the Plains as the perfect place to develop his talents.
The Neshoba Central product would go on to make an immediate impact as a true freshman, confirming Auburn’s evaluation of his abilities. His decision to commit to Auburn would prove beneficial for both parties as Hunter began his college football journey.
College Career at Auburn
Jarquez Hunter emerged as one of Auburn’s most dynamic offensive weapons during his time on the Plains, steadily developing from a promising freshman into a record-breaking SEC running back. His progression showcased both explosive playmaking ability and consistent production.
Freshman Year Breakthrough
Hunter burst onto the scene in 2021, quickly establishing himself as more than just a backup to Tank Bigsby. The freshman tailback rushed for 593 yards while averaging an impressive 6.7 yards per carry.
His breakout moment came against Alabama State when he ripped off a 94-yard touchdown run, setting a new Auburn record for longest run from scrimmage. This wasn’t just a one-game wonder situation.
Hunter demonstrated remarkable vision and balance throughout his first campaign, posting three games with 65+ rushing yards despite limited touches. His freshman performance earned him a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team.
| 2021 Season Stats | Total |
|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 593 |
| Rushing TDs | 3 |
| Yards Per Carry | 6.7 |
| Long Run | 94 yds |
Sophomore Season Development
Hunter’s sophomore campaign saw increased responsibility as he formed a potent one-two punch in Auburn’s backfield. He finished 2022 with 675 rushing yards and seven touchdowns while adding 11 receptions.
The versatile back showed improved patience and pass-catching ability, expanding his role in Auburn’s offense. His performance against Western Kentucky (109 yards) highlighted his capability as a featured runner.
Despite Auburn’s overall offensive struggles that season, Hunter remained efficient with 6.5 yards per carry. NFL scouts began taking notice of his combination of power and elusiveness.
Coach Hugh Freeze’s arrival late in the season signaled a potential expanded role for Hunter, who demonstrated the ability to produce even without ideal offensive line play.
Junior Year Contributions
Hunter’s junior season in 2023 represented his true emergence as Auburn’s primary offensive weapon. Taking over as the featured back, he recorded a career-best 978 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.
His performance against New Mexico State was simply spectacular. Hunter broke Bo Jackson’s program record for rushing yards in a half on his way to 278 total yards.
The junior showcased remarkable consistency, posting five 100+ yard games while handling significantly increased workload. His vision in the zone-read game became elite.
Hunter’s pass protection skills developed significantly, making him a true three-down back. NFL draft analysts began projecting him as a middle-round prospect with starting potential due to his complete skill set and production against SEC competition.
Statistical Overview
Jarquez Hunter has established himself as a key offensive weapon for Auburn, compiling impressive numbers across multiple statistical categories. His production as a running back shows both consistency and explosive potential.
Rushing Yards and Yards Per Carry
Hunter has amassed 2,172 career rushing yards at Auburn, placing him 18th all-time in the program’s storied history. His development has been steady, with his rushing totals increasing each season.
In 2022, Hunter rushed for 675 yards, demonstrating his ability to be a reliable option in the Auburn backfield. However, he elevated his performance the following year.
The 2023 season saw Hunter take over as the primary ball carrier, accumulating over 1,000 yards on the ground. His efficiency has been particularly noteworthy, averaging well over 5 yards per carry throughout his career.
| Season | Rushing Yards | Yards Per Carry |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 675 | 6.5 |
| 2023 | 1,201 | 5.4 |
| Career | 2,172 | 5.8 |
Touchdowns and Scoring
Hunter has proven to be an efficient scorer for the Tigers, finding the end zone with regularity. He has recorded 17 career rushing touchdowns during his time at Auburn.
In 2022, Hunter scored 7 rushing touchdowns, showing his nose for the end zone. He followed that up with 8 rushing touchdowns in 2023, demonstrating consistency as a scorer.
Hunter has also contributed in the passing game, adding a receiving touchdown to his scoring totals. This versatility makes him a dual-threat to find the end zone from anywhere on the field.
NFL scouts have taken notice of his scoring efficiency, with Hunter ranked as the 5th running back in the 2025 draft class.
All-Purpose Running
Hunter’s impact extends beyond just rushing yards. His all-purpose abilities make him a valuable offensive weapon for the Tigers. In 2023, he added 155 receiving yards to his offensive production.
His yards from scrimmage total has increased each season, showcasing his development as a complete back. While primarily known for his ground game, Hunter has displayed soft hands out of the backfield when called upon.
The versatility Hunter exhibits has boosted his NFL draft stock. He currently ranks 42nd overall among all positions in the 2025 draft class.
Auburn’s Offensive Scheme
Auburn’s offense revolves around a physical running attack that has become their identity in recent seasons. The Tigers have built their system to maximize the talents of backs like Jarquez Hunter while creating a balanced approach that keeps defenses off-balance.
Running Game Strategy
The Tigers’ ground game philosophy isn’t complicated, but it’s brutally effective. Auburn leverages gap-scheme runs and zone concepts that allow their offensive line to create running lanes. Their tendencies shift based on opponent, but the commitment to establishing the run never wavers.
When facing Alabama A&M earlier this season, the offense showed its explosive potential, barely needing Hunter as he logged just four carries for 53 yards before being rested.
Against stronger competition like Cal, the approach becomes more deliberate. The offensive staff adjusts by varying formations and using pre-snap motion to create advantageous numbers in the box.
The Tigers’ run-first identity creates opportunities for play-action passing, keeping linebackers hesitant and secondary players peeking into the backfield.
Hunter’s Role and Impact
Jarquez Hunter has been the centerpiece of Auburn’s offense, climbing to fourth all-time among Auburn rushers with 3,371 yards and 25 rushing touchdowns. His workload has been substantial, with Hunter accumulating 472 career carries entering the weekend – ranking 9th in program history.
The senior tailback earned first-team All-SEC honors through his exceptional vision and acceleration. Hunter’s patience behind the line allows plays to develop, then he hits holes with decisive cuts that leave defenders grasping at air.
Hunter’s Career Highlights:
| Season | Rushing Yards | TDs | 100+ Yard Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 3,371 | 25 | 12 |
After initially serving as Tank Bigsby’s backup for two seasons, Hunter seamlessly stepped into the lead role and now sits among the program’s most productive backs in Auburn’s storied history at the position.
Comparisons and Contemporaries
Jarquez Hunter’s place in Auburn’s rich running back history requires both historical context and contemporary evaluation. His skill set and production have drawn attention from NFL scouts while earning respect across the SEC.
Comparisons to Auburn Greats
Hunter’s name belongs in conversations with Auburn legends. Some fans believe Hunter’s running style resembles Bo Jackson, high praise considering Jackson’s legendary status.
Hunter leaves Auburn as one of the most productive backs in program history. His versatility stands out—breaking tackles between the tackles while possessing breakaway speed in the open field.
What separates Hunter from some predecessors is his pass-catching ability. Unlike pure runners of Auburn’s past, he’s shown three-down capability that modern NFL teams covet.
NFL scouts project Hunter as a mid-round selection. They believe his all-purpose skill set could allow him to outperform his draft position.
Contemporary SEC Running Backs
The SEC boasts elite running back talent, with Hunter consistently mentioned among the conference’s best. Heading into the 2024 season, some analysts even asked if Hunter was the best returning RB in the SEC.
Michigan’s Donovan Edwards, who transferred into the SEC, brings national championship experience but lacks Hunter’s consistency. Florida’s Trevor Etienne possesses similar explosiveness to Hunter but hasn’t demonstrated the same durability.
Hunter’s production stands out even more considering Auburn’s offensive limitations during his career. While other SEC backs benefited from more balanced attacks, Hunter frequently faced stacked boxes.
2023 SEC Top RB Production
| Player | Rushing Yards | YPC | Total TDs | Receptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter | 909 | 5.5 | 11 | 22 |
| Etienne | 753 | 5.7 | 8 | 21 |
| Edwards | 684 | 4.5 | 5 | 15 |
Achievements and Accolades
Jarquez Hunter has established himself as one of Auburn’s standout running backs in recent years. His combination of explosive plays and consistent production has earned him recognition within the SEC and placed him among Auburn’s notable rushers in program history.
All-SEC Recognitions
Hunter’s development into a premier SEC running back has been steady and impressive. After serving as a backup in his freshman season, he stepped into a larger role in 2022 before fully emerging as Auburn’s feature back in 2023. That season proved to be his breakout campaign, as Hunter rushed for over 1,000 yards from scrimmage, establishing himself as one of the conference’s most productive backs.
His 2023 performance earned him recognition among SEC runners, and he continued that momentum into 2024. The numbers tell the story of his rise:
| Season | Rushing Yards | TDs | Avg/Carry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1,027 (scrimmage) | – | – |
| 2024 | 1,201 | 8 | 6.4 |
Hunter’s place in Auburn history is becoming more secure with each game. He currently ranks 18th all-time at Auburn with 2,172 career rushing yards, an impressive achievement considering the program’s rich running back tradition.
His explosiveness is highlighted by a record-breaking 94-yard touchdown run against Alabama State in 2021, showcasing the big-play ability that has made him a threat in the SEC.
NFL Draft Prospects
Jarquez Hunter’s draft stock continues to rise as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. His combination of explosiveness, vision, and surprising power for his size has NFL scouts taking notice despite being somewhat overshadowed by other running backs in this class.
Draft Analysis
Hunter currently projects as a mid-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Draft analysts rate him at 80.0, ranking him as the #21 running back prospect. His impressive 4.44 forty time showcases the speed that makes him an intriguing prospect.
What separates Hunter from other mid-round backs is his big-play ability. He consistently breaks tackles at a high rate and shows excellent burst through holes.
Hunter’s draft profile does have some concerns. His route running and pass protection need significant development before he can be trusted as an every-down back at the NFL level.
Draft Projection Table:
| Round | Overall Range | Team Fits |
|---|---|---|
| 4-5 | 110-160 | Falcons, Dolphins, Vikings |
Professional Outlook
Hunter projects as a dynamic complementary back with potential to grow into a featured role in the right NFL system. His explosiveness and lateral agility make him an ideal change-of-pace option immediately.
The Auburn product will likely begin his career as part of a committee backfield where his big-play ability can be maximized in limited touches. Teams with established veterans would benefit from Hunter’s burst as a rotational piece.
For Hunter to become more than a situational back, he must improve as a receiver and in pass protection. These limitations currently prevent him from being a three-down option at the next level.
What makes Hunter one of the most underrated backs in this class is his combination of vision and contact balance. He consistently finds creases and maintains his footing through traffic.
His ceiling comparison: A more explosive Giovani Bernard with better between-the-tackles ability.
Personal Life and Off-Field Pursuits
Jarquez Hunter, born December 29, 2002, hails from Philadelphia, Mississippi, where his Auburn fandom began long before he became a college star. Growing up in Philadelphia, Miss., Hunter developed an early affinity for the Tigers that would eventually shape his collegiate path.
The running back’s choice to attend Auburn wasn’t just about football. It represented a childhood dream realized. Hunter has often spoken about his deep connection to the Plains, which stems from his formative years.
Off the field, Hunter maintains a relatively private life. He’s known for his focus and work ethic, qualities that translate well to his academic pursuits at Auburn University.
Auburn’s RB27 has earned respect not just for his on-field performance but for his character. Teammates and coaches consistently praise his humble approach and team-first mentality.
Hunter’s journey from small-town Mississippi to SEC stardom serves as inspiration for young athletes in his community. He remains connected to his roots while pursuing his athletic and academic goals at Auburn.
Community Impact and Philanthropy
Jarquez Hunter’s impact extends well beyond the football field. The Auburn running back has maintained strong ties to his hometown. He demonstrates remarkable generosity toward the community that raised him.
Most notably, Hunter donated to Neshoba Central Elementary School’s clothes closet, his alma mater in Mississippi. This contribution highlights his commitment to giving back to the institution that helped shape his early years.
Despite his rising star status as Auburn’s premier running back, Hunter hasn’t forgotten his roots. His philanthropic efforts reflect a maturity that extends beyond his years and athletic abilities.
Hunter’s community work comes while maintaining impressive on-field performance. His football success provides him a platform for more meaningful community engagement.
| Hunter’s Career Highlights | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Career Rushing Yards | 3,371 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 25 |
| 100+ Yard Games | 12 |
| Yards Per Carry (2022) | 6.66 |
NFL scouts have taken notice of Hunter’s character off the field. These philanthropic efforts enhance his draft profile as teams increasingly value players who demonstrate leadership in community service.
As Hunter continues to develop as both an athlete and community leader, his impact will likely grow in Auburn and beyond.
