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Auburn

Freeze predicts ‘breakout year’ for Cobb

by: Bryan Matthews07/03/25BMattAU
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Jeremiah Cobb during 2025 spring practice. Photo by Austin Perryman/Auburn athletics

ALEX CITY | Jeremiah Cobb was just fourth on the team last season with just 142 rushing yards on 29 carries. He’s rushed for 314 yards and two touchdowns in two seasons at Auburn.

But that could all change this fall.

With starting running back Jarquez Hunter off to the NFL, Cobb is poised for a big junior season.

“I think Jeremiah Cobb is going to have a breakout year,” said AU coach Hugh Freeze. “He’s super talented. Great long speed. I just don’t think he’s had enough touches to show what he can really do.”

Cobb has also been a weapon in the passing game with 13 career catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns.

He’s part of a running back room that includes five scholarship players along with experienced walk-on Justin Jones. Senior Damari Alston is the veteran of the bunch, serving as Hunter’s top backup for three seasons.

Alston, who is also a key team leader, has rushed for 681 yards and five touchdowns in his career.

“Damari Alston is a solid back in every manner. He can do it all,” said Freeze.

The Tigers added to the room in January, signing former UConn standout Durell Robinson out of the transfer portal. Robinson sat out spring drills recovering from an injury, but is back to 100 percent this summer.

“Durell, didn’t get to see him in the spring,” said Freeze. “Love what I see from him right now in summer workouts. He’s got the body type and it looks the right way. He’s got some good tape from UConn.

“I do think it will be those three mainly.”

Auburn signed two in-state running backs in the 2025 class in Alvin Henderson, who enrolled in January, and Omar Mabson, who joined the team this summer.

Henderson rushed for an AHSAA-record 10,923 yards during his high school career while Mabson reclassified after a standout junior season at Auburn High School.

“Alvin has a bright, bright future and he might surprise us early on, and Omar. I think that room is solid,” said Freeze. “I don’t know that people would look at it and say it’s elite, but I don’t think there’s any way that would be a reason we don’t win football games.

“I think they are very capable and great teammates too. Damari is one of the greatest leaders we have.”

Auburn opens the season Aug. 29 at Baylor. The game is scheduled for Friday night at 7 p.m. CT on FOX.

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