AUBURN, Ala. – “I always wanted to play at Auburn – always – since I was a little kid. My family and friends can attest to it; they always knew I had a desire to come to Auburn. There was just something about the Tigers that captivated me. I’ve always loved Auburn and wanted to be here,” explains running back Jarquez Hunter about his choice to spend his college career at Auburn.
“In my senior year, in January, Coach (Bryan) Harsin offered me a spot, and I committed immediately. It was an easy decision – I told him I was coming to Auburn.”
Fast forward four years, and Hunter, a second-team all-SEC honoree with 2,172 rushing yards and 17 touchdown runs, is very pleased with his decision as he enters his senior season.
“To this day, it fits perfectly with what I envisioned. I’ve met amazing people and formed great relationships – everywhere you go, it feels like family. I completed my degree in three years – a great degree from Auburn that will benefit me beyond football. Auburn has been awesome. It feels like family every time I walk through campus.”
Receiving his bachelor’s degree in May was as significant an achievement as any game-winning touchdown or SEC accolade, achieved through Hunter’s persistence and dedication.
“Getting that degree made my family very proud, and I felt relieved. I finally accomplished it, and all the hard work over three years paid off. To finish in three years, I took as many classes as I could, usually 18 hours in fall and spring and 12 hours in summers.
“My major was natural resource management. I chose it because I love the outdoors. I enjoy being outside, and it’s something I’d like to pursue after football. It’s important to preserve nature and make it accessible to everyone. Graduation day was a proud moment for me, and I know my family was proud too. Nobody can take that away from me. I’ve got an Auburn degree.”
Now, Hunter, who ranks 18th among Auburn’s career rushing leaders, aims to solidify his legacy.
“My dream in football is simple. I want to be listed among the best running backs to play here. I admire Bo Jackson, Cadillac Williams, Ronnie Brown, and others, but I want to be in the same category as them. I want to be remembered as one of the great running backs who came through Auburn.
“I want my teammates to say Jarquez gave his all every time – in practice, games, and workouts. I want them to say he was a great person to be around and always gave his best.”
This is my last year, and I plan to go out and play for each other, have a special year with my brothers.
Reaching that goal has come through hard work and knowledge.
“The main part of this game is taking care of your body,” Hunter said. “Younger players think they can play forever without feeling pain, but your body will eventually hurt. You need to take care of your body and find ways to stay healthy.
“For me, I like to practice hard. If you practice hard, you play hard. If practice is hard, the game will feel easier. I try to lead by example and show the younger guys how hard I practice. If you practice hard, it will show in the game. If not, the game might not go well.”
The former Mississippi Mr. Football from Neshoba Central High believes the 2024 season can be memorable for the Tigers.
“I feel like we’ve gotten close as a team and can have a special year, make the playoffs, and win,” said the SEC academic honor roll student. “We’ve got the talent, the players, and the new additions have a lot to offer. I think we can be a special team.
“For me, I’ll try to be a great teammate, a leader, and push everyone as much as I push myself. I’ll go hard every day for my teammates, and I want them to do the same for me and others on the field. This is my last year, and I plan to play for each other and have a special year with my brothers.”
“Before college, my uncle told me to fall in love with the school, not the coaches, because coaches can change any day. You have to fall in love with the school, stay focused, and be a better version of yourself every day.”
And Hunter believes there’s no place better than Auburn.
“You’ve got to be here,” he said. “Auburn is a loving city, a caring college – everywhere you go, people feel like family. There are smiles and greetings everywhere. On campus, in town – it’s the same.
“I’m going to miss game days. They are electric at Auburn. The fans, the crowds, the student section – everyone shows up every game. The Tiger Walk is electric – people show you so much love.
“Game day, the fans love Auburn. They show up win, lose, or draw. They’re always there for the athletes, and I love that about Auburn. They’re always with us; no matter how we’re doing, the family is there.
“This is going to be a year to remember for Auburn football, and I’m excited for it.”
