Hugh Freeze updates on Jarquez Hunter’s status for Auburn football’s 2023 opener

Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze was asked during an SEC conference call Wednesday if there would be any suspension for running back Jarquez Hunter in Auburn’s season opener after a tumultuous offseason. His answer did not provide any certainty, as has been the case throughout the summer.

“I don’t discuss who’s playing and who’s not,” Freeze said. “We hope everybody is healthy enough to play.”

During the summer, Hunter was allegedly shown in a sex tape video that was spread on social media. Soon after the video’s leak, Auburn announced multiple football players would receive indefinite suspensions, but did not state who was suspended or why.

Hunter missed at least the first two practices of Auburn’s preseason camp which began on Aug. 3, and was seen during a period of practice open to media on Aug. 8. He has been at practice since and projects as Auburn’s top running back. He is listed as the starter at the position on the depth chart released Monday.

At various media availabilities during the offseason and at preseason practices, Freeze has declined to comment on Hunter’s status, stating it is an internal matter.

Much off the field remains unclear and unanswered.

On the field, Auburn expects Hunter to break out as a true star and workhorse running back — which he showed many flashes of en route to being Auburn’s third-leading rusher with over 700 yards last season. Now, with Tank Bigsby gone to the NFL, Hunter is the clear top back for Auburn.