Auburn position unit ranking: No. 5, Running backs
Auburn is more than likely done in the transfer portal and gearing up to enter the fall with the roster being full despite anything unforeseen. Auburn Live is ranking the position units on the team from least to greatest. The running backs come in at No. 5 and we will state our case. Also, we have added overall ratings predictions for the new EA Sports College Football game.
To avoid confusion, this is the opinion of Auburn Live analyst Cole Pinkston. This ranking is based on the position units as a whole, not just at the starters and key rotational pieces. It is also based solely on the 2024 season outlook and not a future outlook of the position unit.
**Thoughts and prayers remain with Auburn running back Brian Battie, whose status for the upcoming season is currently unknown. For the purpose of this ranking, we have not included him in this position unit for the upcoming season.
Potential starter
— Jarquez Hunter – Hunter is the starter in the room and should get the majority of the carries. He should be the bell cow of the group and is poised to do so.
First off the bench
— Damari Alston – Alston is looking to add to his role in 2024. He is one that coaches love and trust. So far, in two years with Auburn, Alston has increasingly gotten more playing time, but has not burst onto the scene. He could be one of the surprises of the team in 2024.
Reserve
— Jeremiah Cobb – It’s not really fair to call Cobb the reserve, but in this situation, he is technically behind the other two for now. He will, however, be used in some different ways more than likely. He is more of a receiving threat in the room. Cobb will see an increased role in 2024 as well.
EA Football 25 rankings
**Our prediction on what the top three in this room will be ranked on the new EA Sports College Football game..
— Jarquez Hunter – 88 overall
— Damari Alston – 80 overall
— Jeremiah Cobb – 78 overall
Reason for ranking
With Hunter, Alston, and Cobb, Auburn has three strong options at running back. Hunter has played a lot of football for the Tigers and put up 2,170 yards and 17 touchdowns. He’s also added 403 receiving yards and 3 receiving touchdowns. So far, in three years, Hunter’s carries and production have increased each year. He is one of the better backs returning in the SEC.
Alston is a strong backup to Hunter. The former blue chip recruit added 320 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns a year ago while missing a couple of games due to injury. He is primed for a bigger role in 2024 and has received rave reviews for his consistency.
Then, Cobb rounds out the room as one of the more exciting players on the team. He has shown flashes of big play ability and was a major recruiting win out of high school. As a freshman, Cobb contributed two rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns. He can be used in a variety of ways.
Behind these three are walk-ons. They are highly thought of walk-ons, but ideally, it would be best not to get to that part of the room in significant games.
A year ago, the running back room was our highest rated position unit. A year later, other rooms have improved, but the running back room is still the same at the top three but with less depth as of right now. If there is an injury in this room, the walk-ons will have to be called up to be ready to contribute and that is a tough position to be in. If the room stays healthy, it can be very, very good.
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