AUBURN, AL. (EETV)- Jarquez Hunter’s week nine performance against Kentucky was nothing short of masterful. Despite a slow start, Hunter accounted for 278 rushing yards, dominated by a legendary second-half showing. As a result, Hunter netted himself the SEC Offensive Player of the Week award, the Doak Walker Running Back of the Week award, and many others.
Before the official awards even came in, Hunter’s second-half performance eclipsed many Auburn records previously considered unbeatable. Perhaps the most notable of these is Bo Jackson’s single-half rushing record- 206 yards. Hunter’s 214 second-half rushing yards firmly cemented this legendary performance, despite the fact that Jackson’s record had previously stood since 1985.
Hunter earned himself several accolades for his 278-yard performance, most notably the SEC Offensive Player of the Week. This award is widely considered the most competitive week-to-week honor any player can dream of. It is his first time earning this award.
Beyond just the SEC scale, though, Hunter found himself as the recipient of the Doak Walker Running Back of the Week- nationally. This accolade is highly sought-after and has been frequently held by Heisman favorite Ashton Jeanty; Hunter’s performance this week eclipsed even the future Heisman’s.
Additionally, Hunter earned the East-West Shrine Bowl Offensive Breakout Player of the Week award and the Senior Bowl Offensive Player of the Week award. Though these titles have a more limited applicant pool, Hunter won each by a landslide.
Jarquez Hunter’s performance against Kentucky will go down in history as one of the best in Auburn history- in fact, his second half was the best in Auburn history. The downhill runner will look to continue his downhill momentum in Saturday’s 11:45 C.T. matchup at home against Vanderbilt.
