After Auburn football coach Hugh Freeze did not sign a transfer quarterback during the offseason, returning quarterback Payton Thorne has become the buzz of the town. Though the quarterback has not changed, many things surrounding him have, notably the offensive strategy and Freeze’s level of engagement.
The passing game has received a lot of attention, particularly with the group of wide receivers the Tigers brought in through the class of 2024 and the transfer portal, but the other side of the offense is receiving far less. While enhancing the passing game is undoubtedly crucial, Freeze stated that the run game would remain the foundation of the offense.
“No. 1, we have to run the football,” Freeze stated on Auburn’s offense in 2024, according to Auburn Undercover. “We were fairly good; I believe we finished third or fourth in the conference in rushing last year. “I love our backs.”
Freeze expressed confidence in this year’s run game for a variety of reasons, including the fact that the Tigers returned a large number of experienced offensive linemen this season and strengthened the position group with transfers such as Percy Lewis.
However, the Auburn football team’s running backs room is locked and loaded. Jarquez Hunter, perhaps the finest running back in the SEC heading into the 2024 season, leads the pack, followed by Damari Alston, who has received a lot of praise from Freeze and has been described as the team’s vocal leader. Jeremiah Cobb, a sophomore, made an immediate impression as a true freshman and is expected to do so again this year.
“I love our running back room,” Freeze stated. “I’m fine if nobody talks about them. I actually am. But I believe Jarquez, Damari, and Cobb are three very good backs. Damari is somewhat of a leader in the group. But Jarquez is quite quiet. I adore that about him. He works his tail off. Damari, if you need to say something to the squad from that room, he will say it, and everyone will listen.”
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