The SEC announced Friday afternoon that Auburn was predicted by the media to finish 10th this upcoming season in the newly expanded and division-less 16-team league.
Alongside the preseason standings announcement, four Auburn players were also selected to the All-SEC teams; Jarquez Hunter as a first team running back, Eugene Asante as a third team linebacker, Alex McPherson as a first team kickoff specialist and Keionte Scott as a third team return specialist.
Totaling 909 rushing yards on 159 carries in 2023, Hunter – is the leading returning rush to the SEC – had a relatively under the radar offseason until the first team selection.
“I'm kind of shocked that no one's talking about him. And I'm okay with that. And I'm sure he doesn't seek anything like that anyway, he just wants to know where he can go fishing after workouts,” Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze said to local media on Thursday at SEC Media Days in Dallas. “And I think he's had one heck of an offseason. Looks great and I love that whole room really with him and Damari and Cobb. Obviously, our prayers are still with Battie as he tries to recover. But, I think those two guys are really good. And Jarquez, I expect to have a great year.”
Asante, one of the Tigers’ three picks to join Freeze at SEC Media Days on Thursday, was a spark plug for Auburn’s defensive unit all last season leading the team with 86 total tackles. The senior linebacker will be a key cornerstone for new co-defensive coordinators DJ Durkin and Charles Kelly in 2024.
When asked about his leadership style at SEC Media Days, Asante responded in fitting fashion,”Let's work!”
McPherson joined Hunter on the first team list following a Lou Groza Award semifinalist 2023 season in which he did not miss a kick (13-13 FG, 40-40 PAT). The redshirt junior place kicker has been battling a still undiagnosed health concern that has kept him sidelined throughout the summer.
“Alex is still going through a battery of tests. I believe he's going to UAB today. The best diagnosis, as I said yesterday, is IBS. But, I think there's probably more to it than just that. But, our prayers are certainly with him that he's going to get better fast,” Freeze said to the local beat on a zoom call on Thursday.
Scott rounded out the Tigers’ All-SEC participants as a return specialist after averaging 14.8 yards per return last season.
The Tigers will kickoff the 2024 season against Alabama A&M inside of Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 6:30 p.m. CST with television coverage on the SECN+/ESPN+.
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Patrick is a junior from Auburn, Alabama, double majoring in journalism and marketing. He started with The Plainsman in the fall of 2022.
You can follow him on X (Twitter) at @patrickabingham
