The Los Angeles Rams moved up 10 spots to select running back Jarquez Hunter out of Auburn on the final day of the 2025 NFL Draft.
“My heart was beating as soon as I got the call and he told me the news. I was so excited. I almost cried just a little bit,” Hunter said of being drafted by the Rams.
The 22-year-old had a feeling he could wind up in L.A. after seeing with the Rams several times before the draft. “I did have a sense that I might be coming to LA and come to the Rams because I talked to them a pretty good amount,” Hunter said.
I talked to them three or four times. I felt like it was just a good connection with me and the coaches, and I felt like this is a place I can come and just show my talents.”
Hunter rushed for 1,201 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on an SEC-best 6.4 yards per attempt during his senior season. He also caught 21 passes for 155 yards and one receiving touchdown.
Hunter believes he can be an all-purpose back with the Rams. “I’d describe my running style… I feel like I’m a very north-to-south runner, a downhill runner. I can catch the ball out of the backfield. I can pass protect and I can run,” Hunter said.
Jarquez Hunter excited to join Rams running back room
Jarquez Hunter is hoping to add value to an already talented Rams running back room that includes Kyren Williams, Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers. “Just watching those guys in the past couple years, I felt like they did a really good job in running the ball in LA and the Rams,” Hunter said.
“I feel like they’re really good running backs. I feel like just me coming to the room, they can help me a lot and I can add something to the running back room.”
Given that the Rams traded up to get Hunter, they clearly feel that he can become a long-term contributor in the backfield.
