Auburn’s starting running back, Jarquez Hunter, disclosed that he has not yet decided whether he will return for the 2024 season. Speaking to reporters at the Woltosz Football Performance Center, Hunter expressed his focus on the upcoming Music City Bowl on December 30 and admitted that his thoughts on his future, either staying for another season or entering the NFL, have fluctuated throughout the 2023 season.
As mid-December approached, Hunter remained undecided about his decision and did not provide a specific timetable for making it. He currently has one year of eligibility remaining if he chooses to use it.
Hunter had a notable impact on Auburn’s performance in 2023, finishing as the team’s leading rusher with 865 yards. Initially expected to be Auburn’s primary offensive weapon, Hunter’s season saw gradual improvement. Despite not reaching the 100-yard rushing mark in the first seven games, he achieved this milestone in three of the final five games, playing a crucial role in Auburn’s offensive resurgence during that period.
However, Hunter’s season was marred by uncertainty, beginning with questions about his status over the summer due to a leaked sex tape on Twitter that allegedly featured him. Auburn responded with indefinite suspensions related to videos posted on social media, with other Auburn players potentially involved. Head coach Hugh Freeze refrained from commenting on Hunter’s status during SEC Spring Meetings and SEC Media Days, citing university policies and procedures.
Hunter’s absence from the start of fall camp practices further fueled speculation about his future, but he returned to practice on August 8 and participated in every open session thereafter. Although he did not dress for Auburn’s season opener against UMass, he played in the following week’s game against Cal and remained active for the rest of the season.
Should Hunter decide to return for the 2024 season, it would mean the potential return of all four of Auburn’s top running backs from a team that accumulated 2,692 rushing yards and averaged five yards per attempt during the current season. As the decision hangs in the balance, Hunter’s uncertainty about his future adds an additional layer of anticipation to Auburn’s upcoming Music City Bowl appearance.
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