Auburn's running back room looks extremely balanced heading into Texas A&M matchup

When Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze and offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery were asked earlier this year about the running back room, both agreed that the Tigers would be taking a running back "by committee" approach to their backfield.

So far, through three games, they're delivering on that promise.

The staff as a whole seemed pleased with the unit back in August, and now that we've seen them delve into the depth chart - having played six RBs in total thus far - the results overall have been solid.

The Tigers are currently averaging 215.7 yards per game on the ground, good for No. 18 nationally. It's the definition of a collective effort, and the chemistry between the backs has aided in the production through three contests.

“I just love the camaraderie in that room. I’ve got a bunch of hard worker guys that’s selfless, guys that’s pouring into each other,” running backs coach Cadillac Williams said during fall camp. "Again, everybody is selfless. It is only one ball so we all out there pushing each other, trying to be the best version of ourselves each and every day. So they have bought into that mentality.”

Starting RB Jarquez Hunter didn't play in the Tigers' season opener against UMass, but the numbers would arguably be as even regardless.

Quarterback Payton Thorne actually leads the room in total rushing yards with 140 after his impressive 123-yard day against Samford last weekend. Take a look at the rushing numbers from each Tiger:

Payton Thorne: 22 attempts, 140 yards, 2 touchdowns

Damari Alston: 24 attempts, 119 yards, 1 touchdown

Jarquez Hunter: 22 attempts, 90 yards, 1 touchdown

Robby Ashford: 15 attempts, 76 yards, 4 touchdowns

Brian Battie: 14 attempts, 58 yards

Jeremiah Cobb: 12 attempts, 80 yards, 1 touchdown

Sean Jackson: 5 attempts, 64 yards, 1 touchdown

Justin Jones: 4 attempts, 33 yards

It's an even effort across the board right now. How Auburn approaches the room heading into SEC play will be interesting.

Auburn's running back room looks extremely balanced heading into Texas A&M matchup

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