Looking Back on Top Three Freshmen of Auburn’s 2024 Football Season
The 2024 Auburn Tigers football season was a year of growth, transition, and excitement. As a program under new leadership, Auburn looked to establish its identity, with coach Hugh Freeze at the helm. One of the highlights of the season was the impressive performances of several freshmen who quickly made their mark on the field. These young players showed not only their potential but also their ability to contribute immediately at the collegiate level. Looking back at the season, three freshmen stand out for their game-changing contributions, leadership, and potential for the future of Auburn football.
1. Jarquez Hunter – Running Back
While Jarquez Hunter was already a familiar name before the start of the 2024 season, his growth and performance as a freshman during the year truly put him on the map. Hunter, a dynamic and electrifying running back, has showcased the skill set that Auburn fans were hoping for when he committed to the program. While his success began in his high school career, he continued to impress on the collegiate stage with his raw talent and maturity on the field.
As a running back, Hunter’s vision, speed, and ability to make defenders miss in open space were invaluable assets for Auburn’s offensive unit. His performance as a freshman, rushing for over 1,200 yards and reaching the end zone multiple times, solidified his place as a star in the making for Auburn. But it wasn’t just his stats that caught the attention of fans and analysts alike—it was his ability to perform in crucial moments of the game. In games against SEC rivals, including Alabama and Georgia, Hunter wasn’t shy about rising to the occasion, often breaking tackles and making explosive plays that kept the Tigers in the hunt for a postseason berth.
Hunter’s vision and patience in the backfield were advanced for his age, allowing him to thrive even in a power-conference program like Auburn. His elusiveness made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and his burst of speed often turned short-yardage plays into massive gains. Over time, Hunter emerged as one of the top offensive playmakers for Auburn, and his presence in the backfield will likely be crucial in future seasons as the Tigers continue to build a competitive roster.
2. James Smith – Defensive Line
On the defensive side of the ball, James Smith’s emergence was one of the most exciting developments of the 2024 season for Auburn. A defensive lineman who had long been on the radar as a top recruit, Smith wasted no time making his presence felt. His combination of strength, size, and quickness allowed him to immediately compete at the highest level in the SEC, one of the most physically demanding conferences in college football.
In his freshman season, Smith registered 8 sacks and was a consistent force in Auburn’s pass rush. His ability to disrupt quarterbacks, close down running lanes, and cause havoc in the opposing backfield made him an integral part of the defensive line rotation. In addition to his sacks, Smith showed a well-rounded game by making tackles for loss, showing a relentless motor, and displaying the discipline needed to succeed in a defense-oriented program like Auburn’s.
The potential was always there for Smith, but his rapid development surpassed expectations. His presence in the defensive line provided the Tigers with much-needed pressure on opposing quarterbacks, forcing mistakes and helping Auburn’s secondary. Furthermore, his leadership on and off the field stood out. Despite being a freshman, Smith emerged as a vocal leader in the locker room, working closely with his teammates to elevate the entire defensive unit. With his raw talent and work ethic, James Smith has a very bright future ahead of him, and he will likely be a cornerstone of the Auburn defense for years to come.
3. E.J. Harris – Wide Receiver
While much of Auburn’s 2024 success on offense came from the running game, the rise of freshman wide receiver E.J. Harris was a game-changer for the Tigers’ passing attack. Harris, who had been highly recruited out of high school, quickly proved that he was more than capable of handling the physical demands of college football. His combination of size, speed, and hands made him a matchup nightmare for opposing cornerbacks.
Harris finished his freshman season with over 800 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, which was impressive for a first-year player in the SEC. His ability to make tough catches in traffic and stretch the field with his speed allowed the Auburn offense to become more dynamic. Throughout the season, Harris was not only a consistent target for his quarterbacks but also showed the ability to step up in big moments. His clutch performances in critical games against conference rivals, such as his game-winning touchdown catch against LSU, proved that he was ready for the spotlight.
What set Harris apart from other freshmen wide receivers was his route running and understanding of the game. Despite his age, he displayed advanced techniques that allowed him to get open and make plays. Whether it was a deep route or a quick slant, Harris was able to create separation and make tough catches in contested situations. His work ethic and approach to learning the offense paid off quickly, and his connection with his quarterbacks grew stronger as the season progressed.
As a young player in an offense that relied heavily on the running game, Harris was able to make an immediate impact as a reliable receiving option. His growth and development in his first season indicate that he could become one of the premier wide receivers in the SEC in the years to come.
The Impact of Freshmen on Auburn’s 2024 Season
Auburn’s 2024 season was characterized by a blend of youth and experience. The contributions of freshmen like Jarquez Hunter, James Smith, and E.J. Harris provided the Tigers with a solid foundation moving forward. These players not only showed their individual potential but also helped raise the level of play for their teammates. With these three making immediate impacts, it’s clear that Auburn’s future is bright.
Auburn’s coaching staff, led by Hugh Freeze, understood the importance of incorporating young talent into the program. They gave these freshmen the opportunity to play and succeed, which played a significant role in their development. Freeze’s approach to team-building has clearly worked well for Auburn, as the program continues to recruit and develop elite talent capable of competing at the highest levels.
Additionally, these freshmen helped Auburn get closer to securing bowl eligibility, a huge step forward for a program in transition. Their ability to step into significant roles and produce from day one shows that the foundation of the program is in good hands with Freeze at the helm. The offensive and defensive improvements were made possible in large part by the freshman class, and their success bodes well for the team’s outlook in the 2025 season and beyond.
What’s Next for These Freshmen?
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, it’s clear that these three freshmen will be cornerstones of Auburn’s roster. The team will continue to rely on Jarquez Hunter as a workhorse running back who can carry the offense, especially if the passing game develops further. With the addition of more talent at wide receiver, E.J. Harris should only continue to grow into an even bigger role, further solidifying his place as a key player in the passing attack.
James Smith will be a key piece of Auburn’s defense, and with another year of experience, he will look to take the next step in his development. His ability to lead the defense and be a consistent disruptor in the backfield will make him one of the most formidable defensive linemen in the SEC.
Additionally, the confidence these freshmen have gained in their first season will only serve them well as they continue to mature and gain more experience. They will be able to serve as leaders for the new crop of incoming freshmen, helping to set a standard for excellence and work ethic in the program. As the team continues to grow under Freeze’s leadership, these freshmen will undoubtedly play a crucial role in Auburn’s bid to return to national prominence.
