New York Giants Draft Prospect: RB Jarquez Hunter, Auburn

Jarquez Hunter is a tough, open-field runner who can break arm tackles and stay on his feet while racking up yardage. He averaged 4.08 yards per carry after contact and seems to enjoy contact, all of which would make him a good addition to the New York Giants backfield.

Jarquez Hunter, RB

Height: 5’10
Weight: 209 lbs
Class: Senior
School: Auburn
STATS

A former three star recruit from Neshoba Central High School in Philadelphia, Mississippi, where he was the 10th ranked recruit from his state and the 40th RB overall in the 2021 cycle.

Hunter gained notoriety on social media with his Cowboy attire and even would deadlift in cowboy boots. He led the Auburn Tigers in rushing over his final two seasons on campus.

Hunter earned First-Team All-SEC in 2024 and was Second-Team in 2023. He was also on the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2021.

His 278-yard rushing performance with a pair of touchdowns against Kentucky (2024) was the fourth-best rushing game in Auburn History and the most rushing yards by an FBS player in 2024.

Hunter ranks sixth among Auburn playmakers in career all-purpose yards (4,453). Hunter did attend the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl.

Strengths

Good athlete with an impressive build
Low thick center of gravity with excellent contact balance
An explosive physical runner with bad intentions
Good burst through the hole – ferocious runner
Good one-cut ability is maximized with his agility and change of direction skills
Accelerates effortlessly with excellent spatial awareness
Understands how to angle his body to best avoid clean hits
Had over 40 rushes that went over ten yards
Has the ability to hit home runs with his speed
Decisive decision making + superior short-area quickness allow him to avoid would-be tacklers in tight spaces
Good overall vision as a runner – anticipates blocks well, knows when to cut, etc.
Excellent in a phone booth – forced 58 missed tackles on 186 attempts in 2024
He forced 164 total missed tackles on 539 attempts in his career
Is not afraid to lower his shoulder
Flashed excellent play strength – keeps legs moving through contact
A tough guy to get on the deck
Capable pass catcher out of the backfield
Is not afraid to take on contact as a blocker

Auburn Tigers running back Jarquez Hunter (27) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners running back Emeka Megwa (23) as Auburn Tigers take on Oklahoma Sooners at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Oklahoma Sooners defeated Auburn Tigers 27-21. | Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Weaknesses

Ball security needs work – had seven career fumbles
Scheme could be an issue – ran primarily out of the shotgun and pistol
Limited route tree in college
Needs some work in pass protection
Had a minor procedure done on his knee in March 2022 – his knee was bothering him in 2024; I’m not doctor and don’t know if they’re related, but noteworthy nonetheless

Live from Mobile at the @seniorbowl!

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— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) January 29, 2025

Summary

Jarquez Hunter is a decisive quality between the tackles runner with the ability to run though or make defenders miss in a phone booth.

His short-area quickness and one-cut ability – as well as his understanding of angles – allows him to avoid clean hits from defenders, while matriculating the football down the field.

This man is not scared of contact. He ranked top-20 in missed tackles forced, top-10 in ten-plus yard runs, and top-10 in 15+ yard runs, all on just 186 rushing attempts – he’s efficient and explosive!

He is willing and able in pass protection but the technique at the point of contact could use some work, although he does well to identify. He is a capable pass catcher who was not asked to do anything too extensive at Auburn.

These are areas of his game that could use development, but there’s nothing to suggest he CAN’T perform these tasks with some coaching.

Hunter does have a knee injury in his past and he ran in a shotgun/pistol scheme; these issues could pose problems if he fails to adapt to pro-style offenses.

Overall, Hunter will earn a role as back in a committee and he has the upside to be a starter. He is one of many running backs who may slide in the draft but could yield excellent ROI for a team.

GRADE: 6.24

Nick Falato's Draft Grade Chart | Nick Falato

Jarquez Hunter, RB

Strengths

Weaknesses

Summary

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