Auburn’s Hugh Freeze Expresses Strong Confidence in Running Back Room Stepping Up to Replace Departed Star Jarquez Hunter
With the departure of standout running back Jarquez Hunter, many Auburn fans have turned their attention to the backfield, wondering if the Tigers will be able to replicate Hunter’s production and leadership. But if there’s any concern within the football facility, it isn’t coming from head coach Hugh Freeze. In fact, Freeze has been vocal throughout fall camp about how high he is on the running backs poised to replace Hunter—and his confidence is more than just coach speak.
Hunter, who declared for the NFL Draft after the 2024 season, was one of Auburn’s most consistent offensive weapons. A powerful runner with speed and vision, he racked up over 2,400 career rushing yards and became a steadying force during a transitional period for the program. His absence creates a void in production, experience, and locker room presence. But Freeze believes that Auburn’s running back room is not only capable of filling that void—it might emerge as one of the most dynamic units on the team.
“We’ve got a really solid group back there,” Freeze said after a recent practice. “It’s going to look different without Jarquez, no doubt. But I really like what we’ve seen from these guys in camp. We’ve got depth, versatility, and guys who want to compete.”
One of the names drawing the most attention is sophomore Jeremiah Cobb. The former four-star recruit from Montgomery flashed his potential as a freshman, finishing the 2024 season with 395 rushing yards on limited touches. Cobb combines agility with surprising power, and his comfort in the passing game gives Freeze and offensive coordinator Derrick Nix more flexibility in scheme design. With a year in the system under his belt and added muscle from a strong offseason, Cobb is widely expected to take a leap forward in 2025.
“He’s a special kid,” Freeze said of Cobb. “He’s got great instincts, he sees the hole really well, and he’s not afraid to finish runs. He’s got that spark we look for.”
But Cobb isn’t the only back in the mix. Auburn’s depth at running back is quietly becoming one of its strongest assets. Redshirt junior Damari Alston, known for his toughness and reliability, is also expected to see significant carries. Alston had a breakout moment in the 2024 Iron Bowl, rushing for 75 yards and a touchdown in a gutsy performance that helped Auburn push Alabama to the brink. Coaches have praised his leadership and work ethic—two traits that take on even more importance with Hunter gone.
“He brings that physical edge,” Freeze said. “When he’s in the game, the guys feed off that energy.”
Adding further intrigue is true freshman Jamarion “Jay” Burnette, one of the top recruits in Auburn’s 2025 class. At 6-foot and 210 pounds, Burnette has the physical build to contribute early. His high school tape showcases a blend of power and acceleration that could give Auburn a legitimate red-zone and short-yardage weapon from Day One. Early reviews from fall camp suggest that Burnette has picked up the offense quickly and isn’t shying away from SEC-level contact.
“He’s ahead of where we thought he’d be mentally,” said running backs coach Cadillac Williams. “He’s still learning, but he’s a competitor. He doesn’t want to wait.”
The trio of Cobb, Alston, and Burnette gives Auburn a balanced, multi-dimensional backfield—each player bringing a unique skill set to the table. But perhaps the biggest factor behind Freeze’s optimism is the offensive line, which has quietly improved thanks to another year of cohesion and targeted additions via the transfer portal. Auburn struggled at times in 2023 and early 2024 with run blocking, but by the end of last season, the unit showed real progress. That momentum has carried into camp.
“We feel like we’ve made strides up front,” Freeze said. “And when you’re confident in your line, you can do more with your backs.”
Auburn’s offense under Freeze is built around balance. While much of the attention has gone to the quarterback battle between Payton Thorne and Holden Geriner, the reality is that Auburn’s identity will still be tied to its ability to run the football. Freeze’s most successful teams—whether at Ole Miss or Liberty—have leaned on a consistent ground game to open up passing windows and control tempo. Losing a back like Hunter is always significant, but Freeze is betting that the committee approach will allow the Tigers to be more unpredictable—and possibly more explosive.
There’s also an element of motivation in the room. With no clear-cut star, the competition has been intense throughout fall camp. Every rep matters. Every carry is earned. That internal push has elevated the group’s performance and created a healthy dynamic that the staff believes will translate into stronger in-game execution.
“We’re not trying to be Jarquez,” Cobb said after a recent scrimmage. “We all looked up to him, but now it’s our turn. We’re going to do it together.”
That mindset has resonated with Freeze, who has spoken often about culture and accountability. He wants players who buy in, who fight for their role, and who don’t shrink from expectations. So far, the running backs room has checked every box.
Fans will get their first real look at the new-look backfield on August 31 when Auburn opens the season against Mercer at Jordan-Hare Stadium. While the opponent may not pose a major threat, the game will serve as a key measuring stick for how well the backs are adjusting to their new roles. Expect all three—Cobb, Alston, and Burnette—to get touches as the coaching staff continues to evaluate rotations.
The path forward won’t be without challenges. SEC defenses are fast, disciplined, and brutal at the line of scrimmage. Auburn’s backs will need to earn every yard. But with Freeze’s system, a stronger offensive line, and a renewed sense of purpose, this unit may surprise people. It may not have a superstar name like Tank Bigsby or Jarquez Hunter—yet—but the ingredients are there for a breakout campaign.
As the season draws near, one thing is clear: Hugh Freeze isn’t panicking about life after Hunter. He’s embracing the moment. He believes in his backs. And if their performance in camp is any indication, Auburn fans might soon believe too.
