On December 10, 2024, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) coaches recognized Auburn University’s standout football players, awarding running back Jarquez Hunter a prestigious spot on the First Team of the All-SEC Team and wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith a place on the Second Team. This acknowledgment comes as a result of the exceptional performances both athletes showcased throughout the 2024 season.
Jarquez Hunter, serving as the running back for Auburn, had an outstanding senior year, putting together a remarkable season where he averaged an impressive 6.4 yards per carry. Over the course of the season, he amassed a total of 1,201 rushing yards, marking the 19th highest single-season total in Auburn’s storied history. His remarkable play also translated into eight touchdowns scored on the ground. In addition to his rushing prowess, Hunter demonstrated versatility with his skills, contributing significantly in the passing game as well, with 21 receptions that yielded 155 yards and an additional touchdown.
When looking at his career stats, Hunter stands as one of the greatest running backs in Auburn’s history, ranking fourth all-time in the program with a total of 3,371 rushing yards. His consistency and performance during the 2024 season were noteworthy, as he managed to rush for at least 50 yards in every game he played. He also recorded four games where he rushed for over 100 yards, a feat that highlights his explosive capabilities. One of the standout performances of the season came on October 26, when Hunter delivered an eye-popping 278-yard rushing performance in a crucial victory against Kentucky.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith joined the Auburn squad this year as a transfer from Penn State, and he quickly made his mark on the team’s offense. During the season, he caught a total of 50 passes, which accumulated to 981 yards. This resulted in an impressive average of 19.6 yards per reception, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and make significant gains after the catch. Lambert-Smith’s season concluded on a high note, as he managed to achieve three consecutive games with over 100 receiving yards, which supplemented his total of four 100-yard games throughout the season. Notably, he fell just 19 yards short of becoming Auburn’s first wide receiver to exceed the 1,000-yard mark in a quarter of a century.
The announcement of these recognitions underscores the substantial contributions of both Hunter and Lambert-Smith to the Auburn football program during a year in which they have both exceeded expectations and showcased their talents on the field. Looking ahead, it is anticipated that additional accolades will be revealed soon, with the Coaches’ Individual Awards scheduled for announcement the following Wednesday. Furthermore, the Freshman All-SEC Team will be revealed on Thursday, providing a broader context to the remarkable achievements of players within the league.
The accomplishments highlighted not only exemplify the talents of these two Auburn athletes but also reflect the overall competitiveness and skill present within the Southeastern Conference’s football landscape. As the awards continue to unfold, both Hunter and Lambert-Smith have solidified their places in Auburn’s football narrative and have set the stage for future generations to aspire to their levels of excellence on the field.
