Latest news with #JarquezHunter
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How Rams rookie Jarquez Hunter forged his 'super power' on Mississippi's rolling greens
In 2020, inside the clang-and-clatter of Neshoba Central High's powerlifting gym, Jarquez Hunter's coach laid down a dare: squat 645 pounds on three counts. With a nod and quick coat of chalk, Hunter went to work. Challenges don't faze him. At a Mississippi water company three years prior, Hunter's co-workers coaxed him into a pickup basketball game. Still in his button-down shirt and cowboy boots, the 5-foot-9 Hunter went airborne. And dunked. In those same boots, the Rams' rookie running back completed more delicate tests: He patiently broke and nurtured a horse that he eventually rode across Auburn's campus. Read more: Matthew Stafford 'looks good' in workout; Rams hopeful he returns from injury soon 'Stay true to the thing you're doing,' Hunter said. On Saturday at SoFi Stadium, Hunter made his NFL debut in a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, Lining up behind quarterback Stetson Bennett, he took a handoff on a third-and-six play and mimicked a sprinter stealing a head start — his shoulders low and knees churning. Hunter knifed through the defense and broke for an 11-yard gain. 'That was a great run,' said Rams coach Sean McVay. 'He's knocking guys back and finishing forward where what might be a four-yard run ends up being an eight-yard or seven-yard run.' That bruising style helped Hunter rush for 3,371 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns in four seasons at Auburn. The Rams selected Hunter in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft, adding him to a running back corps that features starter Kyren Williams and second-year pro Blake Corum. 'He's definitely laser-focused on what you're saying,' Rams running backs coach Ron Gould said during training camp. Or, as McVay illustrated it: 'He can stare a hole through you.' Gould dubbed Hunter's speed as his 'super power,' a gift confirmed by a 4.44-second 40-yard dash. But Hunter's ability to twist defenders out of position mid-chase is his calling card. Proof? He amassed 278 yards in 23 carries last October against Kentucky. 'Since I was in middle school growing up, I did a lot of squatting,' Hunter said. 'I do a lot of leg workouts. I run hills and pull sleds. That's really how I get the power in my legs.' Rams linebacker Chris 'Pooh' Paul Jr., a fellow rookie, played against Hunter three times at Arkansas before Paul transferred to Mississippi. Every matchup against Hunter's Tigers, Paul said, was the same headache. 'We knew he ran hard,' the Rams linebacker said. 'We knew he was hard to bring down. We knew he had speed. Very good in pass [protection]. … Man, he's very dangerous.' But that danger vanishes once the pads come off. They're replaced by the patience of a country boy. Hunter, who also stashes party tricks like leaping out of a swimming pool, grew up in the rolling greens of central Mississippi. And back home, Hunter's most loyal running mate doesn't wear pads. Danger, a chestnut quarter horse with a white blaze down his face and a deep copper coat, was born the same summer Hunter first wore an Auburn jersey. The colt was born while Hunter was driving home for a short break before fall camp, its spindly legs still wobbly in the pasture. The patience to break a horse, the stubbornness to work one until it trusts you, the dawn-to-dusk commitment of tending to something that can't speak back — Hunter said he swears it all bleeds into his game. 'When you're out there working with animals, you gotta stay true,' Hunter said, 'you gotta go with the training. You still gotta work with them.' Read more: Rams vs. Cowboys preseason takeaways: Blake Corum ready for larger role That same discipline shows when Hunter rides his ATV up a steep hill, hauls in catfish by hand, or waits patiently for a buck in the woods — and it's the same grit he'll lean on as he pushes for a place in the Rams' running back rotation. For now, Hunter will line up again Saturday against the Chargers, with a chance to outpace the 41 yards he logged in 11 carries in his debut. 'Pretty decent,' Hunter said, 'but it's things I got to fix.' Because for Hunter, the fixes are the fun part of challenges — whether it's mending a missed block, pumping out another squat or winning the trust of a restless colt. Staff writer Gary Klein contributed to this report. Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rams vs. Cowboys preseason takeaways: Blake Corum ready for larger role
The Rams defeated the Dallas Cowboys 31-21 in their preseason opener on Saturday at SoFi Stadium. Here are some takeaways from the game: Blake Corum shows what he can do With Kyren Williams carrying the ball 316 times last season, Corum got only limited opportunity as a rookie. The former Michigan star could help shoulder more of the load if the Rams want to keep Williams — their newly minted $23-million investment — fresh for the long haul. While it was something of a surprise when coach Sean McVay said Corum would play in the preseason opener, Corum responded by rushing for 32 yards and two touchdowns in nine carries. Rookie Jarquez Hunter rushed for 41 yards in 11 carries, including an 11-yard gain on a third-and-five play in the third quarter. Schrader rushed for 59 yards in five carries, including one for a 25-yard gain, and caught a touchdown pass. Quarterback Stetson Bennett leads four touchdown drives Bennett went into the game after playing with extreme confidence during training camp and a joint practice with the Cowboys. It showed at times Saturday — he delivered a perfectly placed fourth-down pass to Xavier Smith along the left sideline in the first quarter, and also scrambled for a first down — and avoided momentum-changing miscues. Bennett completed 16 of 24 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns, including a nine-yard pass to running back Cody Schrader and a five-yard touchdown pass to receiver Brennan Presley. Bennett's long pass attempt to rookie receiver Konata Mumpfield in the third quarter was picked off by safety Israel Mukuamu. Bennett, who rushed for 11 yards in three carries, will start next Saturday against the Chargers. Josaiah Stewart took a step toward joining the edge-rusher rotation Early in the second quarter, Stewart came off the left edge and sacked quarterback Joe Milton for an eight-yard loss. Starters Jared Verse and Byron Young, watching from the sideline, were no doubt elated. Stewart, a third-round draft pick from Michigan, adds another element to an ascending pass rush. Linebacker Chris 'Pooh' Paul showed leadership capability Paul, a fifth-round draft pick from Mississippi, started and called defensive signals. Paul made five tackles. Shaun Dolac, an undrafted free agent from Buffalo, also started at linebacker and made seven tackles. Cornerback Cam Lampkin made the catch of the day in the third quarter when he intercepted a long pass in the end zone. Read more: Kyren Williams agrees to a three-year contract extension with the Rams Kicker Joshua Karty and punter Ethan Evans look ready Karty, a second-year pro, kicked a 37-yard field goal and made four extra-point attempts. Evans punted twice, one kick traveling 81 yards. Matthew Stafford watches after completing morning workout Stafford, who has not practiced because of a back issue, went through his first passing workout at the Rams' Woodland Hills facility as scheduled, a Rams official said. McVay has said that Stafford would begin practicing with the team this week, though he will not participate in a joint practice with the Chargers. Stafford, 37, is preparing for his 17th NFL season. He is working through an aggravated disc issue, for which he received an epidural injection. Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Madden 26 ratings for every Rams rookie: Terrance Ferguson gets shockingly low rating
With the release of 'Madden NFL 26' on the horizon, EA Sports is rolling out ratings for players in the game. On Wednesday, rookie ratings were revealed, showing just how high (or low) each first-year player's rating is. Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty were among the NFL's top-rated rookies at 84 and 83 overall, respectively, both of which are significantly higher than any of the Rams' draft picks. Terrance Ferguson was the Rams' top pick in this year's draft but he's not the team's highest-rated rookie. Surprisingly, he's not even one of the Rams' three best rookies in the game. Fourth-round running back Jarquez Hunter and third-round edge rusher Josaiah Stewart are tied for the highest rookie ratings on the team at 72 overall, followed by Ty Hamilton. Ferguson is tied with Konata Mumpfield, a seventh-round receiver, at 69 overall. Chris Paul Jr. is the lowest-rated Rams draft pick with a 68 overall rating. RB Jarquez Hunter: 72 OLB Josaiah Stewart: 72 DL Ty Hamilton: 71 WR Konata Mumpfield: 69 TE Terrance Ferguson: 69 LB Chris Paul Jr.: 68 EA included five undrafted Rams rookies in the game's ratings so far, as well. Safety Nate Valcarcel is the team's top UDFA at 63 overall, with Shaun Dolac (62) and Trey Wedig (60) being the other two players whose ratings are 60 or higher. S Nate Valcarcel: 63 LB Shaun Dolac: 62 OT Trey Wedig: 60 OT Ben Dooley: 59 OL Willie Lampkin: 59 It's shocking how low Ferguson's rating is, especially considering how well he tested at the NFL combine. He was the most athletic tight end in testing this year so one would've thought his rating would be fairly high. His speed rating is 85, but his agility is only 78 and his change of direction is 68; for comparison, Mumpfield's change of direction is 88. Below is a look at some key ratings for each of the Rams' rookies in the game. This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Madden 26 ratings for every Rams rookie, led by two mid-round picks
Yahoo
25-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Which NFL Team has the most Auburn players on its 2025 preseason roster?
NFL training camp is underway, and many former Auburn Tigers are looking to make a splash. Some aim to continue their stellar careers, while others are looking to break through as first-year professional players. One of those looking to make his way onto the depth chart is former Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft. Hunter logged 1,201 yards last season in year two of being the Tigers' premier back, and is looking to showcase his talents in the NFL during his rookie campaign. Earlier this month, during OTAs, Rams running backs coach Ron Gould pointed out that Hunter can make opposing defenses pay in two ways. "His superpower is his speed, he's really fast," Gould said in an interview with "And then the second thing is, if you get the pads on you, he's a heavier guy, he's a guy who can go north and south, and he's a guy who's gonna be able to come out of a lot of tackles." Hunter, however, is the lone former Tiger currently on the Rams' roster. Which team has the most former Tigers? Here's a breakdown as the NFL preseason gets underway. Minnesota Vikings If you are looking for an NFL team to support this season, the Minnesota Vikings are a worthy candidate as four former Tigers are on their training camp roster. All four players were on Auburn's 2024 roster, with linebackers Dorian Mausi and Austin Keys headlining the charge. Punter Oscar Chapman and wide receiver Robert Lewis are also going through preseason work with the Vikings. Jacksonville Jaguars Former Auburn EDGE rusher Jalen McLeod joins veterans Daniel Thomas and Tank Bigsby in Jacksonville for training camp. McLeod was drafted in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft by the Jaguars and is paving the way for Keldric Faulk to be the next EDGE that Auburn will send to the league. Las Vegas Raiders The Raiders currently house three former Tigers: Daniel Carlson, Shedrick Jackson, and Seth Williams. Williams recently signed with the Raiders after a successful stint in the UFL with the DC Defenders. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 2021 NFL draft, and he also spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars before moving to the UFL. Seattle Seahawks Derrick Hall is back with Seattle after posting 64 tackles and eight sacks in two seasons with the Seahawks. Hall broke out last season by making 35 tackles and eight sacks in 17 games. He will be joined by cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett and defensive lineman Justin Rogers for training camp in the Pacific Northwest. Tennessee Titans A pair of 2024 defensive linemen joined the Titans roster to give Auburn more "local" representation. Philip Blidi and Isaiah Raikes are going through preseason workouts in Tennessee this year, joining former Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary, who was Auburn's lone draft pick in 2022. Teams with two Tigers There are a few teams that have two former Auburn players this preseason: Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Washington Commanders. Several notable players in this category include Noah Igbinoghene with the Commanders, Jamel Dean with the Buccaneers, and Carlton Davis with the Patriots. Teams with one Tiger Auburn's representation in the NFL is widespread thanks to teams having at least one former player on their rosters. Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers fit in this category. Several players of note that fit in this are Panthers' defensive tackle Derrick Brown, Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham, Colts offensive lineman Braden Smith, and Rams running back Jarquez Hunter. Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: NFL: Auburn football well represented on preseason rosters
USA Today
25-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Which NFL Team has the most Auburn players on its 2025 preseason roster?
Several former Tigers are working to make a splash in the NFL this season. NFL training camp is underway, and many former Auburn Tigers are looking to make a splash. Some aim to continue their stellar careers, while others are looking to break through as first-year professional players. One of those looking to make his way onto the depth chart is former Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft. Hunter logged 1,201 yards last season in year two of being the Tigers' premier back, and is looking to showcase his talents in the NFL during his rookie campaign. Earlier this month, during OTAs, Rams running backs coach Ron Gould pointed out that Hunter can make opposing defenses pay in two ways. "His superpower is his speed, he's really fast," Gould said in an interview with "And then the second thing is, if you get the pads on you, he's a heavier guy, he's a guy who can go north and south, and he's a guy who's gonna be able to come out of a lot of tackles." Hunter, however, is the lone former Tiger currently on the Rams' roster. Which team has the most former Tigers? Here's a breakdown as the NFL preseason gets underway. Minnesota Vikings If you are looking for an NFL team to support this season, the Minnesota Vikings are a worthy candidate as four former Tigers are on their training camp roster. All four players were on Auburn's 2024 roster, with linebackers Dorian Mausi and Austin Keys headlining the charge. Punter Oscar Chapman and wide receiver Robert Lewis are also going through preseason work with the Vikings. Jacksonville Jaguars Former Auburn EDGE rusher Jalen McLeod joins veterans Daniel Thomas and Tank Bigsby in Jacksonville for training camp. McLeod was drafted in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft by the Jaguars and is paving the way for Keldric Faulk to be the next EDGE that Auburn will send to the league. Las Vegas Raiders The Raiders currently house three former Tigers: Daniel Carlson, Shedrick Jackson, and Seth Williams. Williams recently signed with the Raiders after a successful stint in the UFL with the DC Defenders. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 2021 NFL draft, and he also spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars before moving to the UFL. Seattle Seahawks Derrick Hall is back with Seattle after posting 64 tackles and eight sacks in two seasons with the Seahawks. Hall broke out last season by making 35 tackles and eight sacks in 17 games. He will be joined by cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett and defensive lineman Justin Rogers for training camp in the Pacific Northwest. Tennessee Titans A pair of 2024 defensive linemen joined the Titans roster to give Auburn more "local" representation. Philip Blidi and Isaiah Raikes are going through preseason workouts in Tennessee this year, joining former Auburn cornerback Roger McCreary, who was Auburn's lone draft pick in 2022. Teams with two Tigers There are a few teams that have two former Auburn players this preseason: Los Angeles Chargers, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Washington Commanders. Several notable players in this category include Noah Igbinoghene with the Commanders, Jamel Dean with the Buccaneers, and Carlton Davis with the Patriots. Teams with one Tiger Auburn's representation in the NFL is widespread thanks to teams having at least one former player on their rosters. Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers fit in this category. Several players of note that fit in this are Panthers' defensive tackle Derrick Brown, Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham, Colts offensive lineman Braden Smith, and Rams running back Jarquez Hunter. Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__
