Asante, Hunter among the 'freaks' of college football

You could not tell the story of the 2023 Auburn Tigers without mentioning the efforts and talents of running back Jarquez Hunter and linebacker Eugene Asante.

Hunter’s debut season as Auburn’s premier back ended with him gaining 909 yards on 159 carries with seven touchdowns while Asante led the team in tackles with 86. The duo are expected to have another great season, so The Athletic has included them on their annual “freaks list” ahead of the 2024 season.

The list, compiled by The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman, consists of 101 of the most exciting college football players heading into the 2024 season. Auburn’s representation begins at No. 71 with Hunter. Feldman cites Hunter’s unique weight room methods for including him in this season’s series.

One of the SEC’s top backs, Hunter has rushed for 2,172 career rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in three seasons. The 5-10, 209-pounder from rural Mississippi, who in high school lifted wearing cowboy boots, has squatted 635 pounds and could’ve done more, but the Tigers’ staff stopped him. He’s topped out at more than 22 mph and been clocked at 4.45 in the 40.

Another solid weight room presence is Asante, who checks in at No. 33. Asante also squats over 600 pounds and is quick for his size.

He’s the prototypical heat-seeking missile backer the SEC is known for. Asante led the Tigers in tackles last season (86) and added 8.5 TFLs and five sacks. The 6-1, 219-pound younger brother of former NFL safety Larry Asante is powerful and explosive. This offseason, he squatted 635 pounds, benched 405 and clocked a 4.48 40. He’s also had a max velocity of more than 22 mph.

The SEC is well represented on Feldman’s list. Alabama OL Jaden Roberts and South Carolina WR Nyck Harbor are included in the top 10 of this year’s rankings.

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