Intent on displaying his pass catching skills, all-SEC running back Jarquez Hunter, who ranks fourth in program history with 3,371 rushing yards, reflected on his Auburn legacy and how his consistent productivity prepared him for the pros.
“Getting a chance to play early,” Hunter said. “Showing people what I can do on the field. I’m behind a lot of great running backs who played here and played in the NFL. I feel like that’s a great accomplishment. I can come in and do that as well.”
Like Hunter, Jalen McLeod knows his on-field performance at Auburn will comprise most of his resume, but the personal touch matters as well.
“I let the film talk for itself,” said McLeod, who led Auburn with eight sacks last season and totaled 31 tackles for loss in his two seasons on the Plains. “They want to see how smart my football IQ is, and I’ve been showing it, and then my personality. They already got to see me on tape, they just want to see how I am as a person.”
“A guy who’s unselfish, a great teammate,” defensive tackle Philip Blidi said. “I’m willing to go above and beyond. I’m going to a team to win. That’s something I bring to the table, an edge, a lot of grit.”
While their sights are set on playing on Sundays, the former Tigers plan to stay connected to their alma mater.
“They’ve got a lot of talent in that room,” Hunter said of Auburn’s running backs. “I know they’re going to compete. I know they’re going to work hard. I feel like they’re going to do really well this season, just being competitors and be the best they can be.”
“You’re in good hands with Coach Durkin,” McLeod said of Auburn’s defense. “They’re older, they’ve got experience. It’s going to be a dominant defense.”
“A lot of young guys who are still hungry,” said Jerrin Thompson of the Tigers’ secondary. “I love playing with these guys, I wish I had another year to play with them. They’re going to keep developing, getting better and putting AU right where we need to be.”
“We’ve got the guys who came in. We’ve got the young guys stepping up,” said KeAndre Lambert-Smith of Auburn’s receivers. “They look different. They look more confident. I’m telling them, ‘Y’all are about to be the best in the country.’ They’ve got some depth, then they’ve got the great coaches. I feel like they’re in good hands and they’re definitely going to run college football.”
With the 2025 NFL Draft now less than a month away in Green Bay, Wisconsin April 24-26, all the aspiring pros from Auburn ask for is a shot.
“All I’m looking for is an opportunity to showcase my ability,” Lambert-Smith said. “When I get the call I’m going to do the rest.”
