Auburn's annual A-Day scrimmage is just a couple days away and there are a lot of questions to be answered. Last season was not an ideal one for the Tigers who are looking to turn the page and begin a new era under head coach Hugh Freeze.
The position with the highest expectations surrounding it is running back. Jarquez Hunter, who has played second fiddle to Tank Bigsby throughout his first two seasons with the team, is expected to take on a bigger role. Damari Alston is expected to take more carries this season. Newcomers Brian Battie and Jeremiah Cobb are also expected to play a vital role in the offense.
Associate head coach and running backs coach Carnell "Cadillac" Williams talked about what he has seen from the players in the room so far and what he expects to see moving forward.
"It's [the running back room] been very productive," Williams said on how spring practice has been for the running backs so far. "First of all, those guys are selfless. They are close-knit guys who hold each other accountable. They show up each and every day and put in work. I think they're understanding what it is to compete against each other but at the same time come together as a group."
Freeze said that Hunter is the best running back he has ever coached. Williams also had some positive comments to make about Hunter.
"I'm fired up by Jarquez," Williams said. "One of the things that truly stands out about Jarquez is his humble approach to everything. A great human being who treats people right. He's got a work ethic and he's coming to work each and every day and being that same person. You don't know if he's having a bad day or a good day."
Auburn's offensive line is expected to be significantly improved this season. The offensive line is crucial to having a solid game and that is something that Williams takes to heart.
"Hats off to coach (Jake) Thornton working with those guys up front," Williams said. "I just think that our o-line honestly should be one of our strengths on this team. They're long, they're athletic. They have that chemistry already as a unit."
Cobb is an incoming freshman who brings a lot of hype with him. He will join the team in the summer.
"I'm honest with my guys, they are going to create their role on this team," Williams said. "And we're going to sit down and watch film and see if you're doing the things we're asking. I always challenge my guys... Jeremiah Cobb will come in this thing and have an opportunity to prove what he can do."
Battie, a transfer from South Florida, was another addition Auburn made to the running back room. Williams has been impressed by what he has seen so far.
"No doubt I'm super excited by Brian," Williams said. "He's a dynamic, explosive, one-cut runner. I know he's a smaller guy, but you don't see clean licks on him, he understands leverage angles. "
Alston is going into his sophomore season and Williams has a plan for him in the offense as well.
"Damari is having an awesome spring," Williams said. "The young man is driven, he's selfless. Him and Jarquez are kinda cut from the same cloth. They work each and every day."
A-Day is set for Saturday at 1 p.m. CST, and Williams is confident that the running backs will put on a show.
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Daniel Locke, junior in journalism, is the community editor for The Auburn Plainsman.
Twitter: @danieljlocke
