Optimism abounds in Auburn’s running back room
Sophomore running back Damari Alston knew the question was coming before Tuesday’s press conference. He smiled when a reporter asked about the competition within Auburn’s running back unit for playing time heading into the 2022-23 season.
“Like, to me, competing is everything,” Alston told reporters. “With Coach ‘Lac adding Brian (Battie) to the group, I feel like it keeps me more on my toes every day coming to practice just knowing that I have to be on my A-game and do everything that I have to to be on the field.”
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Alston had 14 carries for 85 yards, with a 35-yard run in the San Jose State as his longest carry. As a freshman, the Georgia native was a distant third option to Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter. Bringing in a running back that ran for over 1,000 yards last season at USF could be intimidating for a sophomore seeking to cash in on extra carries created by Bigsby leaving for the National Football League Draft. Alston chooses to embrace the challenge.
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“I feel like us as a whole; we’re so connected,” Alston said. “We brought him in with warm arms, open arms, and ever since then we’ve all just been going at it, competing, helping each other on the field and off the field. Our running back room is at its best right now, and it’ll keep improving.”
Cadillac Williams leads the charge in competition as running backs coach. Alston appreciates how Williams succeeded in a crowded backfield during his time on the Plains.
“Cadillac is just going to be Cadillac,” Alston said. “Ever since I came in, he’s always coached us the same. He’s always just been a real standup guy. He’s always kept it real on and off the field. I feel like nothing’s going to change. He’s going to remain the same.”
Hunter had 668 yards on 104 touches with seven touchdowns last season as Auburn’s second option. He’s expected to be the first choice for carries. Offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery believes Auburn will have a steady rotation with Hunter, Battie, Alston, and incoming freshman Jeremiah Cobb.
“I think keeping a guy healthy throughout the season is important for us,” Montgomery said. “We know what Jarquez is going to bring and how tough he is and the physicality he brings and being able to catch the ball out of the backfield and do those things. But I think all those guys are bringing the same thing to the table, and I’ve been impressed with that room.”
Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group