Auburn has plenty of options at running back heading into the spring.
As Auburn prepares to kick off spring practice, one of the most glaring uncertainties on the roster is the running back position. With the departure of senior workhorse Jarquez Hunter, who declared for the NFL Draft after three productive seasons, the Tigers find themselves without a clear-cut starter. Head coach Hugh Freeze and offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery now face the challenge of sorting through a crowded but unproven backfield to find their next featured runner.
Auburn’s Recent Running Back Legacy
For over a decade, Auburn has prided itself on producing elite running backs, from Tre Mason and Kerryon Johnson to Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter. The Tigers’ offensive identity has long been tied to a powerful ground game, and in 2023, Hunter led the charge with 848 rushing yards and seven touchdowns despite sharing carries. His departure leaves behind a massive void, both in production and leadership.
Who’s in the Mix?
The 2024 spring practice will feature a heated competition, with multiple backs vying for the top spot. While there are several candidates, none have yet solidified themselves as the definitive RB1.
Damari Alston – The rising junior has shown flashes of brilliance in limited action, rushing for 193 yards and a touchdown in 2023 before a shoulder injury cut his season short. At 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, Alston possesses a good blend of power and speed, but durability concerns linger.
Jeremiah Cobb – The former four-star recruit impressed as a freshman, averaging 5.7 yards per carry on just 32 attempts. Cobb’s quickness and vision make him an intriguing option, but he’ll need to prove he can handle a heavier workload.
Brian Battie – The former South Florida standout transferred to Auburn in 2023 but primarily contributed as a return specialist. A dynamic playmaker, Battie has game-breaking speed but lacks the size to be an every-down back.
Incoming Freshmen & Transfers – Auburn also welcomes highly touted freshman running back Kevin Riley, a four-star prospect from Alabama. While Riley has the potential to contribute early, true freshmen rarely step into major roles immediately in the SEC. Additionally, Auburn has been active in the transfer portal, and another experienced back could still be added before the season begins.
Scheme Changes and Offensive Adjustments
One major factor influencing the running back battle is Auburn’s evolving offensive scheme. In 2023, the Tigers struggled with consistency, finishing 78th in the nation in rushing offense. Freeze and Montgomery have emphasized improving the offensive line and adding more versatility to the playbook.
Auburn’s rushing attack will likely involve more zone-read concepts, requiring a back with good vision and decisiveness. While Alston and Cobb appear to fit the mold, neither has had the chance to prove it in a featured role. With an experienced offensive line returning, the Tigers should be better up front, but it remains to be seen who will emerge as the primary beneficiary.
Could This Be a Committee Approach?
Given the lack of a clear frontrunner, Auburn may opt for a running back-by-committee approach, at least early in the season. While Freeze has historically preferred a bell-cow back, the current roster doesn’t yet have a proven workhorse. A rotational system could involve Alston handling early-down work, Cobb serving as a change-of-pace back, and Battie contributing in third-down and special package situations.
The Wild Card Factor
One element that could further shake up the competition is the possibility of Auburn adding another running back from the transfer portal after spring practice. If the coaching staff isn’t satisfied with what they see in March and April, they could target an experienced rusher from another program to provide stability.
Additionally, injuries have a way of reshaping depth charts quickly. With Alston coming off a shoulder injury and Cobb still unproven in a high-volume role, Auburn’s running back situation could look very different by the time fall camp arrives.
Spring Practice Storyline to Watch
The battle for Auburn’s starting running back job will be one of the most closely monitored storylines of spring practice. With no clear favorite and several players in contention, the position is truly up for grabs.
Key factors to watch include:
Who gets the majority of first-team reps early in camp?
How does Alston look post-injury?
Can Cobb prove he’s ready for a lead role?
Will a transfer shake up the depth chart?
Auburn fans have grown accustomed to elite running back play, and while there may be uncertainty now, history suggests the Tigers will find a way to develop a reliable option. The next few months will be crucial in determining whether one back emerges as a true leader or if Auburn enters the season with a running-back-by-committee approach. Either way, the Tigers’ ground game remains a vital part of their success, making this battle one of the most intriguing of the offseason.