A Critical Look At Who Will Replace Jarquez Hunter for Auburn?

Who will replace Jarquez Hunter in the Auburn backfield? That will be a question that will need to be answered during the off-season. After four seasons on the plains, Hunter is heading to the professional ranks after rushing for 3,371 yards and 25 touchdowns. In 2024, Hunter was second in the SEC with 1,201 yards and added eight touchdowns. It was the first season of his career that he eclipsed 1,000 yards. The rushing attack for the Tigers has been a big part of the offense in the first two seasons under head coach Hugh Freeze. Auburn does have some options with some returning players and newcomers.

Who Will Step Up in the Auburn Backfield to Replace Jarquez Hunter?

Returning Players

Two notable players returning to the Auburn backfield are Damari Alston and Jeremiah Cobb. Alston was the second-leading rusher last season with 276 yards and three touchdowns. The bulk of the rushing yardage did come from Hunter. Alston had a more productive year in 2023 with 320 yards and two touchdowns. He has shown some flashes though. In the 2023 Iron Bowl, he totaled 85 yards and one touchdown in the 27-24 loss to the Crimson Tide.

Another option could be Cobb. He is also a player who has shown some big play ability, but it has been few and far between. In 2024, Cobb rushed for 142 yards on 29 attempts and zero touchdowns. Like Alston, he was slightly more productive in 2023. Cobb found the end zone twice and rushed for 172 yards. In his first game in 2023, he rushed for 57 yards on five carries against UMass. That same season, Cobb rushed for 69 yards and one touchdown in a loss to LSU. Both Alston and Cobb have the advantage of who will replace Hunter.

Transfer Portal Addition

Auburn added UConn Huskies running back Durell Robinson from the transfer portal to add some depth. In 2024, the Huskies rushed for 2,590 yards and 23 touchdowns as a team. They utilized three running backs Robinson, Cam Edwards, and Mel Brown. Robinson was second on the team with 731 yards and eight touchdowns. Brown led the team with 830 yards. Robinson had two games in 2024 where he rushed for over 100 yards. Against Florida Atlantic, he rushed for 156 yards and two touchdowns in a 48-14 win. In late October, Robinson totaled 132 yards and one touchdown in a 17-10 win over Rice. It very well could be a situation where Robinson jumps Alston and Cobb in the depth chart. Robinson was listed as a three-star transfer portal prospect.

Incoming Freshman

Alvin Henderson had a record-breaking career while playing at Elba High School. Henderson rushed for 10,930 yards (Alabama state record) and 193 touchdowns. He averaged 195.2 yards per game. Over his final two seasons in high school, Henderson rushed for over 3,000 yards and had 61 touchdowns each season. He is listed as a four-star recruit and won AHSAA 1A Back of the Year for the third consecutive season. Going from playing in 1A to playing in the SEC will be a challenge but Henderson has the talent to make the transition.

Another incoming freshman is Omar Mabson who recently reclassified to the 2025 recruiting class. He will not be going far after playing for the Auburn High Tigers. For the 2024 season, Mabson rushed for 1,515 yards and 29 touchdowns. Like Henderson, he put up big numbers weekly, averaging 137.7 yards per game. In an early season game against Vestavia Hills, Mabson rushed for 245 yards and four touchdowns. He helped lead Auburn High to an undefeated regular season before being eliminated in the second round of the AHSAA 7A Playoffs. It is doubtful a freshman would replace Hunter, but both could gain valuable playing time.