Damari Alston: Loyal and Ready

From a fifth-string freshman in 2022 to Auburn's lead back in 2025, Alston has remained patient under the tutelage of Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter. In a crowded room of future NFL backs, he kept his head down, unflinching in the face of a changing landscape.

it might sound crazy right now, but imma be one of them greats..

— DA ♛ (@DamariAlston) February 12, 2022

On the field, Alston was most recently a back-up to Jarquez Hunter. While both backs share a compact build and physical running style, their approaches differ. Hunter had break-away potential. Alston is more of a grinder.

Heading into his senior year, Alston has totaled 681 yards and four touchdowns. These are not eye-popping numbers, but respectable given his role. With Hunter out in front, Alston didn't shoulder the bulk of the carries, but certainly made the most of his limited opportunities. On 52 carries last year, he averaged 5.3 yards for a total of 276 yards. His biggest showing was against New Mexico State, where he posted 10 carries and 80 total yards.

Now, with Hunter gone, Alston enters 2025 as the clear lead back.

Off the field, there's a compelling parallel between Alston and Mr. Auburn himself, Dylan Cardwell. For much of his Auburn career, Cardwell was behind future NBA big men Walker Kessler and Johni Broome. It wasn't until his final year that Cardwell saw large chunks of playing time – 773 total minutes compared to an average of 434 minutes during his first four years. Just like Alston bided his time behind Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter, Cardwell remained focused, did not entertain the transfer portal, and will go down as a fan-favorite in Auburn history, with a contract from the Sacramento Kings to show for it.

From the day he arrived on the Plains, Alston bought in. He could have been a starter elsewhere for other competitive programs but chose to stay at Auburn. That kind of loyalty is rare these days – let's turn back the clock and look at some names who signed in the same class as Alston. This is not meant to criticize these players, transferring can obviously be the right decision for some. After-all, you only get a few years at this rare opportunity.

Portal Activity from Alston's Class

Holden Geriner
• Position: QB
• Transfer: Texas State

J.D. Rhym
• Position: DB
• Transfer: Houston

Jeffrey M'Ba
• Position: DT
• Transfer: SMU

Austin Ausberry
• Position: DB
• Transfer: LSU

E.J. Harris
• Position: OL
• Transfer: Middle Tennessee

Omari Kelly
• Position: WR
• Transfer: Middle Tennessee, Michigan State

Micah Riley
• Position: TE
• Transfer: Texas A&M

Jay Fair
• Position: WR
• Transfer: USC

Camden Brown
• Position: WR
• Transfer: Georgia Southern

Marquis Gilbert
• Position: S
• Transfer: Unsigned

Enyce Sledge
• Position: DL
• Transfer: Illinois, FAU

Caleb Wooden
• Position: S
• Transfer: Arkansas

This shows how quickly rosters turn over now, and just how rare it is to see someone stick it out the way Alston has.

Elected to Auburn's football culture council, Alston helps set and maintain team standards. This leadership group, implemented by head coach Hugh Freeze, is elected by the team and plays a crucial role in setting and maintaining team standards across various areas, including academics, work ethic, and accountability.

Expected to take a more prominent role on the team, Coach Freeze has praised Alston as one of Auburn's top offensive leaders, noting “On the offensive side, Damari Alston, for sure... I’ve been pleased with the guys that are, that need to be, the vocal guys, and how they lead," Freeze said after A-Day.

Alston will also be tasked with mentoring his replacements: Jeremiah Cobb, Durrell Robinson, and Alvin Henderson. Cobb is expected to take on a role similar to the one Alston held behind Jarquez Hunter, earning touches while learning the ropes.

Last but not least, a fun deep-dive on Alston's twitter highlights Alston's personality and his commitment to Auburn over the years. Check it out:

And my personal favorite: