Jarquez Hunter has declared his intention to return to the Auburn Tigers for his senior season in 2024, as revealed in a social media post on Friday. This decision follows the resignation of Auburn running backs coach Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, who played a pivotal role as Hunter’s primary recruiter.
In a video shared on Auburn’s official social media accounts, Hunter expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Let’s run it back, Auburn Family. War Damn Eagle.”
During the 2023 season, Hunter emerged as the leading rusher for the Tigers, amassing 909 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 159 carries, averaging an impressive 5.7 yards per carry. His performance ranked him seventh in the SEC for rushing yards that year. Notably, all seven SEC rushers ahead of him in 2023 have either transferred or declared for the NFL Draft.
RUN IT BACK @jarquezhunter š„¶ pic.twitter.com/am1H0zH7n0
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) January 12, 2024
Hunter’s standout moments included a three-game stretch against Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas, during which he achieved three consecutive games of 100-plus rushing yards. In a notable performance against Vanderbilt, he recorded a season-high 183 rushing yards accompanied by two touchdowns.
The decision to return to Auburn comes after Hunter initially indicated uncertainty about his future, stating before the Music City Bowl on December 19, “I haven’t decided. Right now, I’m just focused on the bowl game and trying to get past that.” Despite a disappointing loss to Maryland in the Music City Bowl, where Hunter gained only 44 yards on 13 carries without reaching the endzone, he has opted to continue his collegiate career with the Tigers.
With Hunter’s return, the Auburn running back room for 2024 will include notable players such as Damari Alston, Brian Battie, Christian Burnett, Jeremiah Cobb, Sean Jackson, Justin Jones, and Luke Reebals.