Jarquez Hunter can’t stop breaking records.
The freshman running back set the Auburn football program record Saturday for longest rushing touchdown, on a 94-yard score in the third quarter. Hunter took a handoff from T.J. Finley and went practically untouched from endzone to endzone.
“At first, I was going to the right," Hunter said. "I saw a great cutback. Then I was gone. I was just running as fast as I can."
His record-breaking carry was one of only eight he had on the day, but his final stat line made it look like he played the whole game.
Hunter finished with eight carries for 147 yards and a score, adding a toe-tap catch on the sideline for 14 yards.
Through two games, Hunter leads Auburn in rushing yards with 257 total, surpassing last year’s SEC Freshman of the Year Tank Bigsby in total rushing yardage.
"Jarquez just keeps surprising people," said quarterback Bo Nix.
Bigsby had himself quite a game as well, rushing 11 times for 122 yards.
The entire Auburn team had 364 yards on the ground against Alabama State to go along with the 316 yards the team had last week against Akron.
Typical second string running back Shaun Shivers did not dress for Saturday’s game, the reason not being fully disclosed. Hunter said he learned on Friday that he would be getting the second string reps and he made his moments count yet again.
For his efforts, Hunter was given the game ball.
"I knew when he popped out on the one [score], he was gonna go," said head coach Bryan Harsin. "We gave him the game ball."
Starting corner Roger McCreary, who also had a touchdown today, said he knew Hunter was going to be special back in spring practice. McCreary said Hunter would run on the first team offense, and run effectively. But now, Hunter is doing it on a national stage.
“He can bring a lot to the table,” McCreary said. “I have seen it in him. I said he was going to score. I just didn't know it was history. That was crazy."
When asked what he felt after his gashing, record setting run, Hunter said he just wanted to make his last series of the day count.
“I wasn't tired. That was going to be my last drive. So I had to get that one," Hunter said.
Hunter has been one of the biggest surprises on this year’s Auburn team. He started the year as the third string running back, but now is one of the nation’s leaders in rushing yards per game.
"I never thought I would have back-to-back 100 yard games,” Hunter said. “I just gotta keep getting better each week."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Henry Zimmer is from Jacksonville, Florida, and is currently in his fifth year with The Plainsman. He is currently the Sports Reporter and can be followed on Twitter here: @henryzimmer
