Jarquez Hunter named 2023 SEC breakout player

Auburn's running back room may be a little crowded this upcoming season.

With the addition of USF transfer Brian Battie and freshman Jeremiah Cobb, the Tigers could realistically go five-deep, with former walk-on Sean Jackson being the fifth man in the rotation.

Even so, they've got arguably one of the best running backs in the SEC, overshadowed by his predecessor for the last two seasons.

Jarquez Hunter is ready to be that dude for Auburn this season.

Matt Perkins of Mike Farrell Sports recently wrote about potential breakout players in the SEC in 2023.

This is what Perkins had to say about Hunter's breakout potential:

"The departure of Tank Bigsby, coupled with the offensive system brought in by Hugh Freeze, make Hunter a big-time breakout candidate in 2023. Retaining Cadillac Williams on the coaching staff will also be a blessing for Hunter, who has a really good chance to lead the SEC in rushing."

Hunter took a dip in YPC as his freshman season progressed, but he broke out this past season with three hundred-yard performances over the final three games of the year - including two huge games against Texas A&M and Alabama.

His blend of power and explosiveness has provided Auburn with a fun compliment to star tailback Tank Bigsby - but now that Bigsby is gone, is Hunter ready to carry the load in the backfield?

READ: Hugh Freeze says Jarquez Hunter is 'the best running back I've ever coached'

All signs point towards yes, and there's reason to believe that OC Philip Montgomery and HC Hugh Freeze will be excited about using him. Hunter has also proven to be the best pass-catcher out of the backfield over the past couple of seasons.

Although, there may be someone on the depth chart that could potentially take those passing snaps away from Hunter.

Fans should be excited about Hunter's return and should expect him to continue to improve upon the standard that he has set as an explosive, shifty back that's hard to bring down.

Career carries - 193

Career rushing yards - 1,261

Career total touchdowns - 13

Career YPC - 6.5

Best game of career: Vs Alabama State (9/27/21) - 8 carries, 147 yards, 1 touchdown OR at Alabama (11/26/22) - 11 carries, 134 yards