Jarquez Hunter, the fourth-round rookie running back for the Los Angeles Rams, attributes his explosive running style to his background in powerlifting. Hunter, who won a Mississippi state championship in high school while lifting in cowboy boots, showcased impressive strength as a senior, bench pressing 300 pounds and achieving remarkable squats and deadlifts. His powerlifting training translated into a standout season at Auburn, where he led the SEC with 6.4 yards per carry, accumulating over 1,200 rushing yards and an explosive run rate of 18.9%.

Despite competition from established running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum on the Rams' depth chart, Hunter's speed and power make him a potential game-changer for the team in the upcoming season. With consecutive 1,000-yard seasons behind him, Williams remains the starter, but Hunter’s unique combination of weight training and running ability could provide a fresh dynamic in Los Angeles.