Although Auburn’s running back situation has become more clear with the return of Jarquez Hunter to the roster, that has not hindered the overall goals of [autotag]Damari Alston[/autotag].
Alston rushed for 85 yards on 14 carries during his freshman season in 2022 and hopes to become a bigger factor in the run game this season.
“I want to have a good rushing season. My goal is 1,000 yards. I want to do well in the receiving game as well,” Alston said this week. “I want to do anything I can do to take the team to an SEC Championship, and I want to win big games so we can bring Auburn to how it was.”
Alston will compete with Hunter, as well as USF transfer [autotag]Brian Battie[/autotag], for touches this season. Hunter is expected to be the premier back after taking on the backseat role to [autotag]Tank Bigsby[/autotag] over the last two seasons. Battie is a key returner but rushed for over 1,000 yards last season. In order to stand out, Alston is changing up his approach to the game.
“My mentality coming into this next season. The offseason, I have to be different if I’m going to reach my goals,” Alston said. “I have to do things that other people aren’t doing. I have to take the next step. I’m doing what’s required, but I’m doing extra. That’s how I roll. I have to be different. I want to go to the league, be great in the league. That takes a next-level drive. That’s how I approach this offseason.”
The Tigers’ running back crew will be the most experienced unit on offense heading into the season and will be relied upon heavily.
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