Damari Alston Chooses to Return for Senior Season, Declining NFL Draft Opportunity

In a significant decision for both his future and the Auburn Tigers, running back Damari Alston has announced that he will be returning for his senior season, forgoing the opportunity to enter the 2025 NFL Draft. The news has sent shockwaves through the Auburn football community, as many anticipated that Alston would take the next step in his career after an impressive college career. However, the decision to stay in school for another season reflects Alston’s thoughtful consideration of both his personal development and his aspirations for the future.

Alston’s choice to return is one that could have long-term implications for both himself and the Tigers. With another year of college football under his belt, Alston could further improve his skills, raise his stock in the eyes of NFL scouts, and contribute to the Tigers’ pursuit of a strong season. In this article, we take a closer look at Damari Alston’s decision to decline the NFL Draft, the reasons behind his choice, and what it means for his future and Auburn’s prospects.

Background: Alston’s College Career So Far

Damari Alston’s journey to becoming a key player for Auburn has been marked by dedication, hard work, and consistent improvement. A highly touted recruit when he first joined the Tigers, Alston quickly made his mark with his explosive speed, vision, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field. His combination of agility, power, and playmaking ability made him one of the standout running backs in college football, and his contributions have been a key factor in Auburn’s offensive attack.

Over the course of his college career, Alston has demonstrated his ability to thrive under pressure and deliver big plays in crucial moments. His breakout performances and steady production earned him the respect of his coaches, teammates, and opponents alike. By his junior season, Alston was not only considered one of the best running backs in the SEC but also one of the top prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft. His impressive performances on the field had put him squarely in the conversation as a potential early-round pick.

Despite his successful college career and the growing buzz surrounding his name in NFL circles, Alston made the decision to return for one more season at Auburn. This decision was not made lightly, and Alston has been vocal about the factors that played a role in his choice to stay in school and further develop his game before taking the next step in his professional career.

Reasons for Staying: Personal Growth and Development

For Alston, one of the driving factors in his decision to decline the NFL Draft and return for his senior season was his desire for continued personal and athletic development. While his time at Auburn has already been productive, he believes that an additional year of college football will allow him to refine his skills, work on areas of improvement, and become an even more well-rounded player. Alston’s decision to stay in school is rooted in his commitment to maximizing his potential and setting himself up for a successful career in the NFL once he feels fully prepared.

Alston has often talked about his passion for the game and his desire to be the best version of himself on and off the field. By returning for his senior season, Alston has the opportunity to work on his strengths and improve on areas where he feels there is room for growth. One of the key aspects that Alston hopes to focus on during his final season at Auburn is enhancing his pass protection skills and becoming a more versatile back in the receiving game. While he has already shown promise as a runner, improving these elements of his game could elevate his draft stock and provide him with a more diverse skill set that would make him a more appealing prospect to NFL teams.

Family and Support System: Importance of Staying Grounded

Another significant factor in Alston’s decision to return for his senior season is the support and advice he received from his family, friends, and mentors. Throughout his journey to becoming a top running back, Alston has always emphasized the importance of staying grounded and being surrounded by people who have his best interests at heart. His family played a crucial role in helping him weigh the pros and cons of declaring for the NFL Draft versus returning to college for one more season.

Alston has always maintained that his family’s support system has been vital in helping him make major decisions throughout his life, and this situation was no different. After discussing his options with his loved ones and trusted advisors, he ultimately felt that returning to Auburn for his senior season was the best choice both personally and professionally. He believes that with one more year of college football, he can make sure that he is fully prepared for the demands of the NFL, ensuring that he is ready for a long and successful career at the next level.

Auburn’s Role in Alston’s Decision

Auburn’s program and coaching staff also played a significant role in Alston’s decision to stay for his senior year. Under the leadership of head coach Hugh Freeze, Auburn has made strides toward becoming a competitive force in the SEC once again. Alston has expressed his confidence in the direction of the program and the development opportunities it offers. Returning for one more season would not only allow Alston to continue honing his skills but also provide him with the opportunity to contribute to the success of the team.

Alston has stated that the culture at Auburn, the relationships he has built with his teammates, and the coaching staff’s commitment to his growth were crucial factors in his decision. He feels a strong sense of responsibility to help Auburn’s football program take the next step, and he’s eager to play a leadership role in helping the Tigers reach their full potential in the upcoming season. Alston’s commitment to the team and his desire to help Auburn return to the upper echelon of college football is a testament to his loyalty and his belief in the program’s future.

The NFL Draft and Its Uncertainties

While many players choose to enter the NFL Draft for the opportunity to start their professional careers sooner, Alston is taking a more measured approach. He recognizes that the NFL is a highly competitive and unpredictable environment, and he wants to ensure that he is fully prepared to succeed at the highest level. By returning for his senior season, Alston will be able to further prove his abilities in front of NFL scouts and improve his draft position.

The uncertainty of the draft process was another reason why Alston opted to stay in school. While he is certainly talented and has the physical tools to succeed in the NFL, he understands that the draft can be a volatile process. By returning for one more season, he can show that he is ready for the next level, build his reputation even further, and increase his chances of being drafted in a favorable position.

Auburn’s Expectations for Alston’s Final Year

Auburn fans and coaches alike are excited to see Alston return for his senior season, as his presence provides the Tigers with a proven playmaker in the backfield. Alston’s vision, speed, and elusiveness make him a dynamic threat every time he touches the ball, and Auburn will rely heavily on him in their offensive schemes throughout the year.

The Tigers are looking to make significant strides in 2025, and having a senior leader like Alston on the roster is a crucial part of those plans. Alston is expected to be the focal point of Auburn’s offense, and his ability to stay healthy, lead by example, and produce at a high level will be pivotal to the team’s success. Auburn’s coaching staff is confident that Alston’s final year at the program will be marked by both individual and team accomplishments, and they believe his leadership will be instrumental in helping the Tigers contend in a tough SEC landscape.

Looking to the Future: Alston’s NFL Prospects

As Alston looks ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, his decision to return to Auburn for his senior season could prove to be a wise one. By improving his game further and refining his skills, he will give himself the best chance to make an impact in the NFL. Alston’s physicality, vision, and versatility as a running back make him an intriguing prospect for many NFL teams, and another year of college football could elevate his status in the draft.

While Alston may have turned down the immediate allure of the NFL Draft, he is taking a long-term approach to his career. His decision to stay in college for another season reflects his desire to be fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. When the time comes for him to enter the NFL Draft, Alston will have had the opportunity to develop his game and position himself for a successful transition to the next level.

Damari Alston’s decision to forgo the 2025 NFL Draft and return for his senior season at Auburn is one that reflects his maturity, focus, and long-term vision for his career. By choosing to stay in college, Alston is positioning himself to further refine his skills, increase his draft stock, and contribute to Auburn’s football program in a meaningful way. With his strong work ethic, leadership qualities, and passion for the game, Alston is poised for a standout final season at Auburn before making the leap to the NFL. Auburn fans and NFL scouts alike will be watching closely as Alston takes the field in 2025, eager to see how he continues to develop and what his future holds at the next level.