One 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 top running back ended with him gaining 909 yards on 159 carries and seven touchdowns, while Asante led the team with 86 tackles. The two are expected to have another great season, which is why The Athletic named them to its annual “Freaks List” ahead of the 2024 season.

The list, compiled by Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, includes 101 of the most exciting college football players entering the 2024 season. Auburn’s representation begins with Hunter at No. 71. Feldman cites Hunter’s unique weight room methods as a reason to include him in this season’s series.

Hunter, one of the SEC’s best running backs, has 2,172 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns in three seasons. The 5-foot-10, 215-pound player from rural Mississippi, who lifted weights in cowboy boots in high school, has squatted 650 pounds and could have done more, but the Tigers team held him back. He has a top speed of over 22 miles per hour and was clocked at 4.45 miles per hour on the 40-yard line.

Another strong lifter is Asante, number 33. He also lifts over 600 pounds and is fast 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″, 215-pound younger brother of former NFL safety Larry Asante is powerful and explosive. This offseason, he squatted 630 pounds, bench pressed 400 pounds and posted a 4.48 40-yard dash time. He also had a top speed of over 22 mph.

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

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