As training camp moves forward, the Los Angeles Rams find themselves uncovering a hidden gem. Amidst a roster brimming with talent, one rookie stands out not only for his impressive physicality but also for his potential to instantly elevate a key area of weakness for the team. That player is fourth-round running back Jarquez Hunter from Auburn, whose dynamic skillset and early camp dominance position him as an unstoppable weapon for the Rams.
Jarquez Hunter arrived in Los Angeles with little fanfare. Not a first-round headline grabber, the Auburn star quietly signed as a mid-round pick. But his early performances in training camp have proven that he may have been worthy of grabbing headlines. According to SI.com, there were numerous reports of Hunter bulldozing through defenders with sheer force and relentless effort. Another report, from Adam Grosbard, highlighted Hunter’s speed and elusiveness.
While the early camp buzz paints a compelling picture of Hunter’s effort and explosiveness, the supporting statistical data from his college days provide further evidence that a star could be emerging.
A key metric highlighting explosive running back play is the percentage of rushing attempts that go for 10 or more yards. When compared to top recent draft picks, Jarquez Hunter’s 22% rate of runs gaining 10 or more yards considerably surpasses his peers who hover between roughly 14% and 16%. This percentage places Hunter in a league of his own, highlighting an exceptional ability to create big plays as a runner.
Such a skill set is exactly what the Rams lacked last season. While the team averaged about 450 rushing attempts (roughly the average) they ranked near the bottom in terms of the number of 10-plus yard runs. This deficiency meant fewer explosive plays to break defenses and ease pressure on their receiving game.
Hunter’s presence could fundamentally change this aspect. Adding his proven big-play production projects the Rams from a struggling rushing offense to one competitive with the league’s best, potentially rivaling powerhouses like the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens in explosive run frequency.
The Rams’ passing game has been a strength, ranking in the NFL’s top three for receiving efficiency last year. However, the lack of explosive run plays hindered the overall offensive balance. By injecting Hunter’s blend of speed, physicality, and breakaway ability, the Rams will make their offense more multi-dimensional and harder to defend.
What the Eagles recent Super Bowl Title has demonstrated is that a hard-nosed, explosive running game is essential in playoff football. Hunter embodies the kind of tough, downhill runner the Rams lacked last season, combining breakaway speed with a willingness to run through contact rather than away from it. His style reflects the NFL’s evolving demands.
With training camp underway, Hunter is generating buzz both for his on-field production and the potential long-term impact on the Rams’ offense. While it is early to say if he will match his college-level production in the NFL exactly, his skill set and work ethic give reason for high optimism.
All that being said, the Rams seem to have found a gem in the talented young back. Alongside other promising rookies and additions, Hunter’s presence promises to fill the glaring gap of explosive runs that the team struggled with in 2024.
Jarquez Hunter’s emergence may well be one of the biggest stories for the Los Angeles Rams this season. His unique combination of tenacity, power, and breakaway ability addresses a critical team weakness. If Hunter maintains his early camp momentum and translates his college production into NFL success, he could be a transformative player for the Rams. In a league where championships often hinge on controlling the ball and creating explosive plays, the Rams’ underrated rookie running back could be the secret weapon that propels Los Angeles toward a deep playoff run in 2025.
Disclaimer: The content of this article was originally published as a YouTube video on the Saturday Morning Inspection YouTube channel. With AI assistance, the publisher of the video created this article based on the content of that video.
