The 2025 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Auburn running back Jarquez Hunter plans on taking full advantage. Hunter recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Hunter also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his style as a running back, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Hunter better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Jarquez Hunter: I got my invite right after a practice. My coach handed me the invite in the meeting room once practice wrapped up. It was a dream come true for me. I was very excited. I’ve always wanted to go to the Senior Bowl. I’ve been watching it for years. I’ve always wanted to have an opportunity to compete in Mobile.
JM: That sounds like a special moment. What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Jarquez Hunter: Getting that invite was a dream come true. It didn’t need much motivation. I spoke with my family about it. We were all very excited about the opportunity. I accepted the invite roughly a week after I got it. It was a very exciting time for my family and I. I’m ready to compete.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Jarquez Hunter: I want to prove that I can catch the ball and play in pass protection. I definitely want to highlight my athleticism.
JM: Building on that, how would you write your own scouting report? Self-scout yourself for us.
Jarquez Hunter: I’m a north-south runner first and foremost. I think I have good hands to catch the ball coming out of the backfield. I have good speed. I can outrun defenders in the open field when I get to the second level.
JM: You played four seasons at Auburn and you went over 1,000 rushing yards this past season for the first time. I’m sure that was a goal of yours in 2024.
Jarquez Hunter: It most definitely was a goal of mine at the beginning of the season. With the help of my offensive line and our wide receivers, I was able to check that goal off the list. They helped me succeed this past season. We talked about getting me over 1,000 rushing yards during Fall camp. It was great to succeed. I have to thank our offensive line. They did a great job creating rushing lanes for me. All I had to do was execute.
JM: We love that. If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL running back, who would you choose and why? Anyone in particular you try to study and learn from?
Jarquez Hunter: Usually the running back I watch and study the most is Saquon Barkley. I definitely try to model my game after him a little bit.
JM: He’s an awesome one to study and learn from. Fun question before we let you go. What’s on Jarquez Hunter’s pre-game playlist?
Jarquez Hunter: It’s crazy (laughs). Right before I go out on the field, I listen to “No Limit Soldiers” by Master P.
JM: Were you even born when that song dropped?
Jarquez Hunter: What year did it come out (laughs).
JM: That had to be like 1997, 1998, I would guess.
Jarquez Hunter: I was born in 2002 (laughs).
JM: How did you even find that song? (laughs).
Jarquez Hunter: I like some old-school music (laughs). That’s a song I’ve always liked listening to before a game.
JM: I love that, that’s hilarious. This has been awesome. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Jarquez Hunter?
Jarquez Hunter: It means I went out there and had a bunch of fun. I love playing the game of football. I’m excited to go out there and showcase that I have real abilities. I have what it takes to play in the NFL. I’m going to play the running back position at a high level. I have what NFL teams are looking for.
